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Annoying Guy Won’t Leave This Woman Alone At The Gym, She Gets Petty Revenge
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Annoying Guy Won’t Leave This Woman Alone At The Gym, She Gets Petty Revenge

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Women are coming up with more and more creative ways to fend off unwanted advances from men. Some situations might get so frustrating that ladies grasp onto whatever last straw there is. When farting is the only deterrent against harassment, you know something is probably wrong with our society.

A woman on Reddit shared her creative way to get rid of a guy at the gym. The man wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer, so Redditor Titfortat101 had to resort to an unorthodox method. Read on to find out how this woman used one of her natural bodily functions to her advantage.

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    Sometimes men can be overly persistent when hitting on women

    Image credits: Sven Mieke (not the actual photo)

    Ladies then have to resort to some inventive ways to ward off unwanted attention

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    Image credits: Anastase Maragos (not the actual photo)

    Image credits:  Danielle Cerullo (not the actual photo)

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    Image credits: Titfortat101

    When rejecting someone, be respectful but assertive

    Image credits: Keira Burton (not the actual photo)

    When you’re in a situation like this – in a public place, nowhere to run or excuse yourself, it’s useful to know how to reject someone respectfully, but efficiently. Being mean never gets you anywhere good, especially in situations like these.

    Licensed counselor Bianca Walker told Women’s Health that it’s important the person understands that rejection isn’t about them. “Rejecting someone in a mean way says, ‘There’s something wrong with you,’ which is very different from, ‘I know what I want and I don’t think we’re compatible’.”

    Gina Handley Schmitt, LMHC added: “There are actual human beings on the receiving end of a rejection, and these human beings will inevitably be disappointed and hurt when their romantic feelings are not reciprocated.”

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    Neither the one rejecting nor the person on the receiving end is going to have fun. Yet experts agree that one of the worst things you can do is to string the person along. So here are a few tips on what to do when you find yourself in a similar position.

    Be honest, don’t feel guilty and don’t be sorry

    Experts advise to be honest and direct upfront. Psychotherapist and relationship advisor Christina Steinorth told Canadian Living that the best strategy is to be direct but gentle with your words. Hello Relish gives a possible script for a kind rejection: “I really appreciate your interest, but I just don’t feel the same. I know it may be hard to hear, but I’m not interested in a romantic relationship.”

    Myisha Battle, M.S. told Mind Body Green to not beat around the bush. “Most people will respect your honest assessment, and if they don’t, that’s an even bigger sign of incompatibility.”

    Experts also say to not feel guilty in situations like this. Clinical psychologist Carla Marie Manly, Ph.D. also told MBG to think in terms of “we”, not “I.” “On a neurolinguistic level, we tend to feel negative and guilty if we reject someone. However, if we switch to a ‘we’re not a good match’ mindset, we neutralize the guilt and negativity.”

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    Saying “I’m sorry” would also be a misstep. Apologizing implies that you did something wrong, but it’s not true in this situation. Fight the urge to say the classic line “I’m sorry, I’m just not interested.” A more clear and powerful statement is one without the “I’m sorry.”

    Women’s Health offers a possible script for rejection without apologizing: “I really appreciate your interest and openness, but I’m not able to reciprocate it. I know it may be hard to hear, but I’m not interested in moving forward.”

    Put yourself first, but keep in mind that you might still hurt the person’s feelings

    Image credits: Monstera Production (not the actual photo)

    Another thing experts recommend is to avoid overexplaining. Rejection should be simple and get straight to the point. “It’s easy to over-explain and offer proof of why the person is not a good fit for you,” Carla Marie Manly told MBG.

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    “However, this can often create a rat’s nest of questions and negative feelings,” she notes. “Avoid overexplaining, rationalizing, or getting into a back-and-forth about how things could possibly work out.”

    That’s where “I” statements come in. Instead of talking about the other person – their appearance, personality traits, etc. – talk from your perspective. Instead of hitting them with “I’m not attracted to you”, opt for something softer. Try the “it’s me, it’s not you” approach. Hello Relish offers some alternatives: “I just don’t feel a romantic connection,” or “I am not looking for a relationship right now.”

    However, sometimes we may hurt the person’s feelings even if we did not intend to. Keep in mind that the person had to muster up the courage to approach you and have certain expectations. On the other hand, if you let them down politely and respectfully, what comes next is not your responsibility.

    Carla Marie Manly told MBG that “you’re not responsible for that person’s feelings when your actions were kind and compassionate.” Myisha Battle added: “They may have an emotional reaction to your rejection or want to give their own feedback. You can listen and then politely disengage. If you have been honest and kind in your delivery, that’s all you’re responsible for.”

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    Commenters praised the OP for her deterrence method, while others shared suggestions and similar stories

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    Kornelija Viečaitė

    Kornelija Viečaitė

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    Hi there, fellow pandas! As a person (over)educated both in social sciences and literature, I'm most interested in how we connect and behave online (and sometimes in real life too.) The human experience is weird, so I try my best to put its peculiarities in writing. As a person who grew up chronically online, I now try to marry two sides of myself: the one who knows too much about MySpace, and the one who can't settle and needs to see every corner of the world.

    Read less »
    Kornelija Viečaitė

    Kornelija Viečaitė

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Hi there, fellow pandas! As a person (over)educated both in social sciences and literature, I'm most interested in how we connect and behave online (and sometimes in real life too.) The human experience is weird, so I try my best to put its peculiarities in writing. As a person who grew up chronically online, I now try to marry two sides of myself: the one who knows too much about MySpace, and the one who can't settle and needs to see every corner of the world.

    Mantas Kačerauskas

    Mantas Kačerauskas

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    As a Visual Editor at Bored Panda, I indulge in the joy of curating delightful content, from adorable pet photos to hilarious memes, all while nurturing my wanderlust and continuously seeking new adventures and interests—sometimes thrilling, sometimes daunting, but always exciting!

    Read less »

    Mantas Kačerauskas

    Mantas Kačerauskas

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    As a Visual Editor at Bored Panda, I indulge in the joy of curating delightful content, from adorable pet photos to hilarious memes, all while nurturing my wanderlust and continuously seeking new adventures and interests—sometimes thrilling, sometimes daunting, but always exciting!

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    LillieMean
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Excellent tip. I'm adding this tactic to my arsenal. At the bar, I make sure that I always have something to drink (beer, a carbonated non-alcoholic drink) that makes me burp. If someone doesn't take the sentence I'm not interested seriously, I look the man in the eyes while burping audibly. I've also learned to burp words like no. The disgusting and disbelieving look on the man's face is the best reward and the fact that I am left alone.

    Mila Preradović
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Here's another one for your collection: mining the golden mine up your nose while maintaining eye contact as if nothing is happening. Bonus points for pulling the long one out. :D

    Load More Replies...
    Cathy
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know whether Dutch guys are more polite, or that I scare men in general maybe? (or maybe I'm just ugly haha) 🤔 😝 But I have never seen this in a gym. I only read about it online. Why don't gyms make rules about this so you can report this guy to the front desk?

    DarkViolet
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually, most gyms have rules regarding conduct. However, there's always at least one person who likes to test his luck. It's up to the management to enforce said rules, for the safety and comfort of their patrons. Otherwise, the same patrons can go elsewhere, and another gym bites the dust.

    Load More Replies...
    Load More Comments
    LillieMean
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Excellent tip. I'm adding this tactic to my arsenal. At the bar, I make sure that I always have something to drink (beer, a carbonated non-alcoholic drink) that makes me burp. If someone doesn't take the sentence I'm not interested seriously, I look the man in the eyes while burping audibly. I've also learned to burp words like no. The disgusting and disbelieving look on the man's face is the best reward and the fact that I am left alone.

    Mila Preradović
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Here's another one for your collection: mining the golden mine up your nose while maintaining eye contact as if nothing is happening. Bonus points for pulling the long one out. :D

    Load More Replies...
    Cathy
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know whether Dutch guys are more polite, or that I scare men in general maybe? (or maybe I'm just ugly haha) 🤔 😝 But I have never seen this in a gym. I only read about it online. Why don't gyms make rules about this so you can report this guy to the front desk?

    DarkViolet
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually, most gyms have rules regarding conduct. However, there's always at least one person who likes to test his luck. It's up to the management to enforce said rules, for the safety and comfort of their patrons. Otherwise, the same patrons can go elsewhere, and another gym bites the dust.

    Load More Replies...
    Load More Comments
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