What These Women Would Say Back to Unwanted Attention
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We've all been there — a catcaller yells as you're walking down the street, someone at work stands a little too close, or that guy at a bar keeps hitting on you after you've made it very clear you're not interested. Even if you've had the urge to fight back, it's not always the smartest or safest idea. We asked POPSUGAR staffers to share what they would have said to speak up in those situations, and we're sure you'll relate to their badass responses.
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"I used to say (falsely) that I had a boyfriend to get guys to go away. Now, I wish I had just said that I wasn’t interested — men should respect me just as much as they respect my fictitious boyfriend!" — Audrey Hirschl, project manager
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"I always wish I had the courage to look a catcaller in the eye and ask if he has a mother, sister, or daughter, and if he’d appreciate a man talking to her that way." — Samantha Netkin, assistant editor, Native
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"What on earth makes you think that the noise you just made is warranted? Tell me more about the thought process behind it, because I'm dying to know." — Rebecca Brown, producer and editor, Native
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"My eyes are up here." — Perri Konecky, editorial assistant, Trending and Viral Features
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"The first thing that runs through my head is 'take a picture — it lasts longer' when I see creepy guys staring at me or catcalling me." — Victoria Messina, editorial intern
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"To catcallers: I kind of pity you for feeling so insecure that intimidating random women on the street is the only way to make yourself feel masculine." — Lisa Peterson, assistant social media editor
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"What is the point of you whistling from your truck? Has that strategy ever worked for you?" — Margaret Anderson, account manager
<strong>More From Sweet/Vicious</strong>
Sweet/Vicious is an offbeat superhero/vigilante story featuring two college girls hell-bent on bringing justice to those who get away with abuse on their college campus.
Tune in Tuesdays at 10/9c on MTV.