I was out with a guy I was casually dating, going to the liquor store to bring some drinks back to a party after dark. A group of four guys outside the store were complimenting my friend on his choice of a girl. They were saying that he’d better marry me, because I was so beautiful.

My friend normally talks to people on the street with ease; they were all chummy, but I felt entirely powerless in the situation, unable to express my discomfort at being talked about in this way. I felt like if I’d encountered these men alone, they would be catcalling me about these same things. The “buffer” of a (sort of) boyfriend was no real buffer at all, especially since he felt complimented by their remarks. I, on the other hand, felt a little bit sick, especially when they took freedom to suggest how we spend our night.

Submitted by Sophie

Location: 14th and U St. NW

Time of Harassment: Night (7:30P-12A)

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