• Makhno@lemmy.world
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    3 days ago

    I just had surgery and have grown a new appreciation for the fear women can feel. Im a taller dude and lifted 4-5 days a week, so im fairly bigger than other guys my size, but since my surgery im so fucking fragile and have no ability to defend myself. I live in a city and walking around at night has become a whole new experience. Before I never worried much being out alone, but now I have a constant anxiety, a fear that someone will come and overpower me. Hurt me.

    I know its not entirely the same, but the fear of others in this capacity definitely makes me much more empathetic towards what I used to view as overreaction.

    Ladies, I apologize.

    • Wren@lemmy.today
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      3 days ago

      Lady here.

      You don’t have to be sorry, just stay safe and keep trying to be a good person. I wish you well on your recovery.

      edit: It’s not so much about being overpowered, though that is a thing, as the mental exhaustion from having to deal with so many people who think you owe them something. The book “Verbal Judo” helped me way more than self-defense classes, I recommend it, it’s the art of de-escalation by being snarky and delightful.