I hope that this is an appropriate post for this sub. I'm new here and really excited to have found this sub as it's helping me increase my sense of self-worth on a daily basis I feel. :)

This past week where I live has had a sudden spike in temperatures and along with it I have experienced catcalling THREE TIMES just within the last few days. I find myself so confused as to the change, as well as feeling more unsafe than usual.

I'm a big walker, and ideally I go out everyday. I live near areas of bush/forest and these are my favourite places to go because there's no one ever there (just me & the wild turkeys :)) ) but sometimes I walk in my suburban neighborhood and this is where the catcalling has taken place.

The first time was a couple days ago and it was a really warm evening so I wore my long skirt for the first time since the fall. NOT THAT IT MATTERS WHAT TF I WAS WEARING, but I prefer to dress conservatively, and I have realized over the years it is because if I don't I always get gross/ unwanted attention from men when I'm out.

It's just so disappointing, and I found myself shocked that it happened because I don't think I had experienced it in years. And now I feel it's happening everyday I go out, and there are men leering at me and saying "How you doing?"

Just let me be a fucking human being. Just let me BE! Just let me have my walk and not be reminded of my sex every waking hour. I have tried since I was a young adult to not live my life in fear of the men of the world, thus I go out for long walks alone in the woods because I SHOULD feel just as safe as any man to do so! I hate the rape culture that raises women in fear of being independent, and yet, as a survivor I understand our collective fear for our sisters and daughters.

UGH. Anyone else experienced something similar lately?