Bad Touch, Bad Touch!!

It seems appropriate that on Friday the 13th, I discuss my bad luck with being objectified.

This pretty much sums it up.

I've alluded before that I am not always respected as a human being when I try to get groceries, gas, go shopping, eat, or breathe, all because I look the way I do. Curse my damned attractiveness, it's such a burden!

I usually run errands alone, because dragging Husband along is just inconvenient, as he doesn't have the patience or staying power for the call of the domestic.

Because of this, I generally have a big free-for-all sign on my back. Since apparently not being in direct proximity to a man or "possessor" means I must want sexual attention, or something.

I really want to understand the logic of a man who chooses to reach up my skirt, grab my butt, shove his fingers in "places," or even honk my boobs, when I'm just trying to compare prices between 9oz and 13oz Raisin Bran this week!

I kid you not, all of those things have happened to me at least once, by complete strangers of varying ages and appearances.

I've come to mostly believe that these pervs get a kick out of my horror, wanting to embarrass me and feel like they have control over my comfort, which is why the last two times this happened, I made an incredible scene that even Glenn Close would have applauded.

Nothing seems to be more confusing to these guys than loudly pointing out how very wrong their decision was, and how very ashamed their mother should be for raising such an idiot that can't keep his hands to himself.

No lie, it's really, really, really satisfying to turn the horror back on them.

What makes this all the more upsetting is the idea that my four younger sisters will some day have to face a world like this. Just the other day I was having this discussion with my 12 year-old sister and how to be aware of what's going on, which is important regardless of your gender.

She asked the same questions we've all been groomed to believe,

"Well why don't you dress differently?"

"Can't you just stop being so nice and smiling to deter them?"

"What were you doing when they did that to you?"

"Maybe you should shop with a friend or Husband to be safe?"

She's quite young, so instead of reading her my usual riot act, I could only reply, "Because no matter who you are, what you look like, or how kind/mean you are, nobody, and I mean NOBODY, is allowed to touch you without your permission."

Had she been a little older, I would have laid into her with my tirade of questions,

"Why does it matter what I wear?"

"So I need to become dour because they want to scare me?"

"You want me to change my behavior because of their choices?"

"Are you seriously saying I need safety in numbers at Target?"

It really is that simple, ladies and gentlemen, keep your fucking hands to yourself.

I'm sure there are those of you who disagree, or who want to add to the discussion. Please, join in on the comments section for exchange of opinions. No name-calling, threats, or disrespect. We're all adults here, and if you can't behave I will delete and block you.

Tune in next week for Why Anna is Everything Kitty!!