I used to respond to non-threatening cat calls.

I distinctly remember being 16 years old, walking through the grocery store alone at 5am. Two guys walk by and look me up and down, say “hey how you doin?” A la Joey from friends but creepier, and I just smiled and said “I’m doing good, how are you?”

Not yesterday. I was pumping gas, and this guy (who I later realized was there with a gf or something) walked past and said “aw baby how you doing?” I just pretended I didn’t hear him. Looked dead ahead with RBF. He repeated the question again & gave up.

I don’t owe them my attention. I don’t need their attention. I don’t need to acknowledge some stranger I don’t know calling me pet names. That’s weird and gross.

I know this isn’t directly related to dating, but the FDS mindset empowered me to feel okay with not responding. Just had to share!