Progress, Are Some Things Gone Forever

Each Monday, we go to craigslist.org and read the Missed Connections.  We stay away from ones that are creepy or would involve things that don't fit with Lite Fm and families.  But one thing I've noticed is how people are afraid to make that first interaction, especially guys.

The conversation then went to men doing things just to be a gentleman.  Little things like holding a door, pumping gas, simple things.  Brenda thinks if some guy besides me, does something, it becomes creepy or chauvinistic.  For that matter there are times around the house I will say or do something just to be nice and she pulls out the chauvinistic or being bossy card, when that wasn't the intent at all.

So have we gone so far away from "vive la difference" that we are afraid to make that first personal impression.  Here are a few of the responses from Facebook.

Sylvia Olivas Champion: My thought is exactly what does it mean that you need to remember your a woman? Hmm not to clear what that means? Can you not pump your own gas? Are you free range for all single men? Are you to be hunted ? If he wanted to meet her he could walk straight up to her look, her in the eye, shake her hand, introduce himself and use his words.
I'n my life time I have had many men hit on me. The only ones I truly appreciated their actions or words were the ones that were straight forward and honest.

Also, I have been cat called while just waking down a street. One time stands clear in my memory.
A gentleman actually stepped up to me looked me in the eye put his hand out to shake mine. He introduced himself then stepped back away from me and said, "I mean no disrespect but your are one of the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I just felt I should tell you because I appreciate your beauty. " I said, "Well thank you my husband thinks so as well." I blush a little but smile kindly.
He then backed up and said I hope you have a fabulous day and went back to work on the side if the road. He never looked back at me nor look me up and down as I walked away.
A couple things here

1. Always had his eyes on my eyes .
2. Secure enough to look me in the eye and introduce himself
3. Back up to create boundaries while speaking to me as we have never met.
4. Literally went about his day without looking me up and down.

Believe me, women love being complimented and we know we are women.
But women are not your property, your hunt, your game nor your eye candy we are your equal and we can pump gas. You are a man and can use your words to describe your appreciation just as we can use our words to thank you for your kind words and respectful approach.

So I guess my response is more to the comment "you need to remember your a woman."

Being nice is being nice. Being a creeper is still at the end of the day a creeper.
Syl

Donna Johnston ·I wouldn't let any strange man do that, come near me, my car or my gas tank. Period. STRANGER DANGER for a reason. If you KNOW the guy, I could understand because he's trying to be a helpful gentleman. strangers are the harder ones to read. Just saying.