@Sunny said in How to Approach (nor not) a Suspected Creep:
Can somebody explain to me why it's problematic behavior to go:
p X=You ok?
This would be my go-to, too, but I still had to seriously think about this one before posting.
When I first read the question, this was my reaction, and it's definitely a case of 'instinct'.
I know I've been in situations in which someone is engaging with me in a way that suggests that they have NOT read the room re: appropriate tone/behavior and there's a notable disconnect about cluing them in to why their actions are Not Cool even when I've said something to them. Needless to say, someone being 'lifeline person' in those situations would have been extremely helpful.
That said, I get why it's hard to be that person when it's a stranger. It is REALLY EASY to come across as 'wrongfunning someone' if they are perfectly OK with what's happening by asking if they're uncomfortable when they're not, which could in turn make both parties uncomfortable. So I get the hesitation or unease -- it's a case of 'do I save the seemingly harmless rabbit from that bear trap, or is the rabbit in on it with the bear'?
This issue on the whole is a case of 'err on the side of caution' or 'err on the side of protective instinct'.
In these cases, I'm heavily on the side of 'fuck caution, if they want to be mad at me for trying to help, let them' for the most part. If it's borderline or not super clear to me? I may go with caution instead.