20 Men Share How They Realized It Was Actually Them Who Were Acting ‘Creepy’ Towards Women
#1 – Sobriety and Self-Reflection
A man realized he was aggressive and objectifying women due to early exposure to sex and addiction. After getting sober and going to therapy, he saw the damage he caused and worked hard to change. Today, he’s in a healthy, respectful relationship.
#2 – Rethinking Catcalling
One user used to believe catcalling was just “flirty.” He never did it himself but eventually realized how wrong that mindset was. His new motto: “Never say something to a stranger that you wouldn’t want a big guy saying to you in prison.”
#3 – Women’s Safety vs. Men’s Ego
This powerful quote changed one man’s approach completely: “Men fear rejection; women fear being killed.” It opened his eyes to how differently women experience interactions and made him more mindful of their comfort.
#4 – Realizing He Was the Problem
A man said his biggest wake-up calls came from hearing women complain about behaviors — and realizing he had done those things himself. It pushed him to change how he interacts and listen more.
#5 – Laughter From Fear
“I realized they weren’t laughing because I was funny… they were laughing because they were scared.” That moment of clarity forced this man to reflect on how he made women feel — and it wasn’t what he thought.
#6 – Emotional Manipulation After a Breakup
After a breakup, one man called his ex constantly, threatened self-harm, and emotionally overwhelmed her. A tearful voicemail from her begging him to live made him realize how toxic his actions were. “I was evil and toxic,” he wrote — and he vowed to change.
#7 – Age Doesn’t Equal Permission
A woman shared how she had to explain to her 50-year-old husband that younger women don’t see older men’s attention as flattering — it’s often uncomfortable and unwanted.
#8 – Workplace Harassment Realized Too Late
An 18-year-old working at Six Flags admitted he harassed a new female coworker by blocking her path and trying to constantly talk to her. She never returned to work, and he realized he was the reason. He changed his approach entirely.
#9 – A Sister’s Honest Words
A man used to catcall women until his sister calmly told him: “Women hate that. It’s not flattering — it’s disrespectful.” It clicked immediately. He never did it again and became much more respectful.
#10 – Not a Prince, Not a Savior
One man used to treat women like princesses who needed saving. Eventually, he realized this mindset was self-serving. Now, he respects boundaries and moves on if women aren’t engaged in the conversation.
#11 – The Creepy Smirk
A man believed his smirk made him look confident — until a coworker told him he gave off a “creepy vibe.” That comment led him to reassess how he came across, and he changed his mannerisms.
#12 – Misreading Signals
One man shared that he used to mistake politeness for romantic interest. Over time, and after making women uncomfortable, he learned to look for clear, enthusiastic consent instead of assuming.
#13 – The “Nice Guy” Complex
He used to think being nice entitled him to a woman’s attention or affection. When women didn’t reciprocate, he became bitter — until he realized his “kindness” came with expectations. He now values women as people, not prizes.
#14 – Creeping on Social Media
A user confessed he would scroll through women’s entire Instagram profiles, then DM them about old photos. When someone called it out as invasive, he realized how unsettling that behavior was and stopped.
#15 – Unsolicited Comments
Another man used to compliment women on their appearance in professional settings. He thought it was harmless — until a coworker told him how uncomfortable it made her feel. That conversation changed how he communicates at work.
#16 – “Following” Women Too Closely
He admitted to trailing behind women while walking at night, not realizing how threatening it felt. After seeing women’s posts about feeling unsafe, he began crossing the street or slowing down to create space.
#17 – Listening to Women’s Stories
He used to defend his behavior by saying “not all men.” But once he started listening — really listening — to women’s experiences, he realized how often they’re harassed. That empathy inspired real change.
#18 – Overstepping in the Gym
A guy thought offering women “help” or “form advice” in the gym was friendly. One woman asked him to stop, and he realized he was invading their space. Now, he minds his own business and respects their workout time.
#19 – “Accidental” Touching
He admitted to brushing against women unnecessarily in crowded spaces and only realized how wrong it was after watching a documentary on harassment. “I wasn’t slick. I was gross,” he wrote. He’s since made sure to give people space.
#20 – The Power of a Friend’s Honesty
A male friend once pulled him aside after a night out and said, “You’re being pushy, and you’re making her uncomfortable.” That moment was awkward but transformative — he reevaluated his entire approach and started respecting boundaries.
