For better or worse, I’ve never really been the sort of girl to elicit much attention from random guys. Some of that probably stems from the fact that I’ve been with Noah since—literally—about a week after I got my braces off. So even when he’s not physically at my side, I’m pretty sure I emit a shrill “I-don’t-have-the-slightest-idea-how-to-interact-with-the-three-billion-other-guys-on-earth” signal that keeps would-be suitors at bay. (Plus, let’s be honest—I’m just not that hot.)
But here in the nation’s capital, it’s a weird world. And as any woman who’s been here a day will tell you, local catcallers aren’t particularly discerning. Or tactful. (You can read an old City Paper cover story on this very topic here.)
Take this past weekend: Noah and I were walking home from the McPherson Square metro stop around 12:30 a.m. As we walked north on 15th Street—hand in hand, mind you—some punk zipped by on his bicycle, slowing just enough to briefly squeeze my left boob. To be honest, I was more stunned than upset. Though clearly no sexual harassment is ever OK, the incident was fairly negligible. And like Noah pointed out—after yelling a strongly worded profanity his way—that guy’s life is pretty eff-ing sad. So whatever.
But still, the affront wasn’t the greatest way to cap a nice night out with friends. When we first moved to D.C., I was pretty mindful of every catcall or leering glance. Within a couple of weeks after arriving, I was walking alone near 14th and U Streets. It was the middle of the afternoon, with plenty of people around, but some guy grabbed my arm after I ignored his lame come-on. That time, I was pissed. I mean, who grabs a stranger’s arm?
Over the course of the year and a half between encounters, I guess I got used to Washington’s warts, accepting catcalls as mostly harmless annoyances of living here. And yes, I know how lucky I am that a chest grab is the worst offense I’ve weathered. But what sort of statement is that?
Photo from Flickr.
So we’re clear, when I said the guy’s life was sad, I meant sad like a pathetic piece of trash, not in any kind of sympathetic way.
Just thought our readers would want to know.
wow – that’s crazy. People do odd stuff in this city, though I guess it could have been weirder…. the guy could have also tried to squeeze noah’s “boob” too
As someone female who grew up in DC, I certainly have been the subject of occasional unsolicited attention. That dude would bike-grope you, however, kind of takes it to a new level. Behavior like that I except from my new habitat, San Francisco, where it feels like men catcall/yell at/whatever women out of some kind of civic obligation and are more aggressive too boot. (Icky.)
Anyway, you kids have a great blog. You seem nice.