Sometimes you can ” recognize ‘ someone by their eyes This happened to me on Tuesday on the way to my wheelchair evaluation; both mom and I were taking paratransit The driver let us know there would be another pickup before we were dropped off which is pretty typical of paratransit..
What I didn’t expect was for the whole vibe to change once he was picked up…
As soon as he got on the bus I the sensed someone glaring at me it was obvious he was trying to make eye with me. Only for me to make eye contact with him for a spilt second only for me to recognize him as a disabled guy I went to school with in middle school that I had to report for #sexualharassment
To myself I was like there no way I am encountering him yet again (At a point the paratransit driver said his name confirming my suspicion as to who it was.) I didn’t even say anything to mom until we were dropped off at the occupational therapist office.. Out of concern it would just increase both of our anxiety levels.
I just did my best not to make eye contact with because it was obvious he seemed to get a weird thrill out of trying to make me look at him
This wasn’t the first time I have encountered him since the incidents in middle school. I
encountered him again in high school ( although he never came near me because he knew I would report him.) Also because of a combination of circumstances ( my high school knew that there had been prior history between us.)
Sadly though he was inappropriate with another disabled girl at my high school. I only know because the teachers came and talked to me to make sure there have been no other inappropriate touching or creepy comments made towards me since our history in middle school
I even encountered him at community College when I was ironically enrolled adapted personal safety of all things I told the professor I never wanted to be partnered up with him; given our history
I even made it clear I would drop the class if it was going to be a problem , she assured me that wasn’t a problem I even telling me she was glad I made her aware so I myself as well as other women weren’t put in unsafe situations during the class. I was grateful for this reaction.
sad to say in middle school it wasn’t taken seriously (my teacher who was disabled herself ) Had more of the attitude he has crush on you type thing. Also because he had challenging childhood ~ she felt sorry for him. I suspect she also thought because he disabled that he wouldn’t or couldn’t be inappropriate with females . It had been years seen him but that glaring creepy look in his eyes was still just as unsettling as it was when 13 or 14 I share this as a reminder to all women to be mindful of your surroundings and if something about a man’s behaviors feels off or unsafe trust you instincts. This goes both non disabled and disabled males .
Goodnight 🌛 stay cool 💧 and safe 💜
Christinesjourney8 ~ Instagram blog 