My husband and I recently attended one of our first social dance events post-pandemic. This particular event holds a lot of sentimental value, as it's where we first met.
I sometimes get asked to dance, and I typically decline. At this point in my life, I'm very content to watch the talented dancers shine, especially my husband. For those of you familiar with the social dance scene, this is often considered a faux pas, of which I'm well aware, but guess what...I have every right to say no.
99% of men take it in stride and move on. However, at this particular event, one gentleman chose the rejection as an opportunity to sit down and strike up a conversation with me and a pregnant woman to my right. Why don't I want to dance? Don't I want to have fun? Why do I look bored? All whilst gesturing profusely and at one point even brushing my breast and touching my arm.
I've always entered into these forced interactions with men compliant at first, but as they descend into uncomfortability, my pleasantries and patience wane quickly. After a minute or two, in front of unknown bystander to my right, I finally told him it was time for him to leave. In hindsight, I should have answered his very first retort with, None of his damn business.
I'm 40+ and I'm still trying to be nice to men, a realization that greatly disappoints me. Decades of a Southern upbringing where politeness and cordiality + college are supposed to result in an Mrs. degree...because what else could there possibly be in life?
Men, I can't imagine how hard it must be to indicate interest to a woman, but if she says no once, to any question, leave her alone. And it shouldn't take faking a wedding band to keep the predators at bay.
