Conversation about harrassment, #metoo and being a woman

Hello! I'm hoping to start a conversation about this topic to understand! I have previously embarrassed myself, when the #metoo campaign got hot and I spoke out about my (lack of) experiences. I I don't want to offend anyone or belittle their experiences in any way. English isn't my first language, also it is a bit difficult to voice my thoughts, I hope to make sense and get my point across.

So, when the #metoo campaign began years ago, I was genuinely surprised how literally every woman had experienced so much sexual harassment and violence. I am 30 years old (woman) and during my lifetime I have never, not once, felt threatened by a man I have been with, on a date, sexually or whatever. "Obviously" I have experienced groping at bars, but that's it. I have also always stood my ground, and the scared the gropers away. I used to party and drink a lot in my teens, and alcohol made me aggressive unfortunately, but I have also gotten very mad with men in bars if they have been inappropriate. To a point my male friends have been forced to drag me out to cool down, so we don't get kicked out of the bar. I've quit drinking long since. We used to go out also in large mixed groups, but also with girls only, and I have often been very protective with my girlfriends and expelled their harrassers.

I have also been single my whole life and had several casual relationships and one night stands, and I admit I have been very lucky to have been safe when meeting strangers, especially from dating apps and such. I have been smart, but also made bold and dangerous choices, gone straight to strangers' home, etc.

I have also traveled a lot by myself, and again, I have been cautious and careful, but I have always felt very safe and never experienced anything inappropriate when traveling.

I'm very confident (on the outside at least), very bubbly and talkative. I typically take no shit from anyone, although I always try and be polite and nice, and not too sharp with my opinions. I'm also quite tall and broad shouldered, and back when I was drinking, I was also a bit overweight, but I consider myself good-looking. Before the #metoo campaign I didn't realize I should be more concerned about getting r**ed, I've always felt safe walking around at night by myself.

Have I just been super duper lucky? Or is it something about my "vibe" that has kept me so safe. I have been smart and cautious, but not clearly enough, since I didn't even realize some things until a few years ago. I do live in one of the safest countries in Europe, but that doesn't mean women around me hadn't experienced sexual violence. Also as I've understood it's often a guy you know, who hurts you.

Once again, I don't want to belittle anyone else's experiences with my post. I just want to know, have I been lucky or are there other factors? I'm especially curious if I have children and a girl / girls one day, how can I teach them to be safe, like I have been? I now realize how fortunate I have been to never have experienced anything so horrible.

Thank you!

Posted Apr 2, 2026, 11:26 AM UTC

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