A couple of weekends ago I went to Arundel Mills alone to pick up a couple of things. I was approaching my car to get in to leave when I heard a voice behind me say “Hey, beautiful”. I turned around to see a black SUV with two men inside. The driver was the one who had addressed me. The SUV was blocking my car from backing out of my space, so I couldn’t just leave.

I turned and the man started asking me if he could have my number to call me sometime. I politely explained that I am married and hoped that would be the end of it (it never is!). He then proceeded to ask me if I would go to happy hour with him and his friend. (Sounds like a really great, safe idea, right? Ugh.) Again, I politely told him that I would not jeopardize my marriage under any circumstances. He kept trying.

Finally I got fed up and just said “Have a nice day!” and turned to get into my car. That was when I heard the driver exclaim “Mmmm! Delicious! What do I have to do to get a mustache ride?” I wish I could say that I had snapped something insulting back at him, but at that point I was quite shaken. Not to mention his vehicle was blocking my only hope for escape and there were two of them and one of me. I wish I had been bold enough to take his picture, but I felt really vulnerable and didn’t risk it.

I am so sick of this. I (naively, obviously) thought that when I got married all I would have to do was flash my left hand and potential harassers would recoil in shame. Not so. Most men do not care if I am married, they will still press the issue. Women should be able to leave their houses without being subjected to this terrorism.

Location: Parking lot by Bed Bath & Beyond at Arundel Mills Mall, Hanover, MD

Submitted by JC

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