Women, have you ever generously smiled at a man in public and instantly regretted it? Or have you said a courteous “thank you” only to wish you’d stayed silent? Sadly, this is what a woman’s everyday life looks like in public transport. A recent Reddit post titled “Why I’ll think twice before saying thank you again” reveals a 22-year-old woman’s creepy encounter with an older man while travelling in the Delhi metro. Here’s what she shared.

Related: “Nanga Kar Ke Maarna Chahiye”: Sunil Pal’s Comment On Female Comedians Is A Masterclass In Misogyny

The “thank you” that led to stalking

This woman was returning from college in the metro. Suddenly, a group of tall men boarded the same metro as hers, making it too crowded to stand comfortably. “One uncle in his late 30s/40s was standing just beside me. The guy in front of me had his back literally ALMOST touching my nose, he stepped back just so he and his friend could chat comfortably 💁🏽‍♀️ Inconsiderate, YES. Creepy, NO,” the woman said.

She then shared how the “uncle” standing next to her kept pushing the guy’s back like he was “protecting her”. Even though it felt more unnecessary than helpful, the woman was unsure whether she should thank him for it or not. But the woman thanked him anyway, thinking, “What if next time a girl actually needs help and he doesn’t step in, thinking girls are ungrateful?” Then she got off the metro, which proved to be a big mistake, as the man started following her in the station. Here’s what this creepy man did next.

When things kept getting worse

“He pulled out this bundle of ID cards of random girls, apparently his students… And said he’s a writer/journalist,” the woman shared. She said that the man showed her his card too, but she was too scared to look at anything at the moment. Here’s what happened next.

“Then he asked where I lived (I lied and said a random station). ANDDD He goes: ‘Aap college student ho na?’,  ‘Haan’. ‘Roz issi time yahi se aate-jate ho?’, ‘Nahi 🙏’ Then: ‘Apna number do, call pe baatein karenge, dost jaise karte hai’,” the woman wrote.

A “thank you” is not an invitation; it’s basic courtesy

The woman further wrote, “I like watching Crime Patrol, but starring in it, really, isn’t my interest. I’m not saying asking for someone’s number or social media is wrong, but a man in his 40s has no business doing that with a 22-year-old girl.”

Unfortunately and infuriatingly, harassment of women in public transport is far too common in India. Read these other Reddit stories of harassment in the Delhi metro.

Comment
by from discussion
indelhi

Creepy Incident in Delhi Metro, has it also happened to you?
byu/br0kebr0cc0li indelhi

Comment
byu/br0kebr0cc0li from discussion
indelhi

Met the creepiest man in Delhi Metro
byu/Ambitious_Aide_6438 indelhi

A disturbing experience in Delhi Metro with my sister today
byu/Vast_Poetry_50 indelhi

Comment
byu/gurlpolice from discussion
indelhi

Comment
byu/gurlpolice from discussion
indelhi

Witnessed a white woman being harrased in Delhi Metro
byu/Last-Manufacturer701 indelhi

Men, when a woman says “thank you”, it doesn’t mean she’s flirting or being friendly. When she makes eye contact by mistake, it’s not an invitation for you to follow her around or harass her. Politeness is just that — politeness. Nothing more, nothing less.

Featured Image Source

Related: Kajol Trolled For Wearing A Bodycon Dress During Trial 2 Promotions: “How Dare You Zoom In?”