Ok, so it’s time to talk about social interactions. A small incident at the monthly social last night put this topic on my mind.
Pup Socials are AWESOME!
First and foremost, don’t get me wrong... I LOVE the Pup Social! I had the BEST time last night with my HusCub, Alpha and friends! So much fun!
That said, there was a small incident at the end of the night, after midnight, that activated every red flag in my body and immediately switched my headspace from Goofy Fun Social Pupper to Militsry Guard Dog.
Setting the scene:
So, there we were. My HusCub on my left, two very good friends on my right, my Alpha across from me chatting with a good friend of ours... and behind my HusCub was an individual paying extra attention to me.
He was obviously a bit drunk, stumbling around a bit... he leaned in from behind my HusCub st one point to say something, but I couldn’t quite hear... I thought he looked a little familiar and asked his name... turns out he was a stranger.
He seemed to wander off, but the. Wandered right back. After a few stumbling passes through the middle of our group, he stopped in front of me and made very direct eye contact.
This immediately put me into a bit of a guarded headspace, as it triggered some concern. I didn’t know him, he was obviously very interested but also quite inebriated.
Suddenly, he leaned in... wobbly... yeah, he was that “drunk” or something. After a moment he said “I really love you” before leaning back into his standing position.
This was an immediate red flag. Trying to maintain a polite attitude, I simply smiled and said “That’s Nice”... hoping he’d simply move on in his drunken stupor. Unfortunately, he wasn’t done.
Suddenly, he leaned in again... even closer to my ear with his mouth this time. Then he said “You know you love me too. ”
This one phrase, his tone and body posture at that moment set off every alarm bell in my body. Even surrounded by friends and family, at this moment I felt uncomfortable. But even as my discomfort registered, my Guard Dog headspace snapped into full effect.
Squaring my legs I stood tonmy full height, chest out and shoulders up, and gently used one hand to push him back away from me and said “Ok, you need to back off right now.” My intention was to put an immediate end to the situation, however, I was prepared if necessary to remove this threat and escort him to the bouncer if necessary.
Thankfully, he go the message and stumbled away quickly. The incident was over, but it really got me thinking about safety... and what would’ve happened had the target been someone who wasn’t prepared to stand up for themselves... or wasn’t surrounded by friends and family who would have stepped in if necessary.
Being inebriated, via whatever means, is no excuse for predatory behavior. I know the “thirst” is real... there are certainly some very attractive men I’ve caught myself drooling over... And being attracted and thirsty is fine! As long as you don’t cross that line and try to force yourself into someone’s personal space, or onto them.
Whats the point?
My point in sharing this, is just a reminder: Be Aware, and Have an exit strategy.
if you’re out and about, especially if you’re not with a group of friends, make sure you know who to go to if you find yourself in need.
Bartenders and Bouncers at the clubs will be more than happy to help make sure you have a safe time! Utilize their assistance.
Also, be prepared to stand up for yourself. Sometimes, a strong firm statement of “NO” is enough to end a potentially bad situation... sometimes it’s not... either way, speak up and speak out and don’t let a predator have control of the situation.
I hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday season!
Awrufff!
