Women only: are you afraid of men?

I am totally fine around women but when I'm around men (no matter what they look like or how old they are), I shut down completely mentally and get really self conscious and nervous. I'm just curious how many of my fellow female IINers experience this and if they do, why.

Yes, because I was sexually abused. 4
Yes, because I was emotionally abused. 10
Yes, because I was physically abused. 3
No, I'm not afraid of men. 18
I'm afraid of people in general, men and women. 14
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 24 )
  • NotAgain..

    It must be tough fearing half of the human population

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • Alice97

      It is.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • RoseIsabella

    Yes and no of course!

    Whether or not I'm afraid of another person regardless of sex, gender or orientation depends on a myriad of circumstances. I think a person can be too fucking creepy, if someone makes my skin crawl I need to get the fuck away from them, I don't care who they are!

    Sure as a whole the average man tends to be larger and stronger than the average woman, but women are better at that codependent shit with the psychological warfare of control and manipulation. Of course not everyone fits neatly into a box and there is a certain amount of fluidity with regard to that which is traditionally masculine or feminine. Most scary ass people tend to have a combination of traits in their asshole arsenal.

    I think stereotypes exist and are as such, because that's what's commonplace, however that which is commonplace is not a hard fast rule either.

    I've probably cited this in past, but I have personally known and known of two people (one male, one female) who where strong, intelligent well trained police officers, one of whom was ex military, who were both victims of domestic violence. It seems like such an unlikely thing, because police officers are trained to take down criminals who are oftentimes bigger, stronger, crazier and under the influence of drugs or alcohol. One thing I noticed in both cases was that the abuser had control over the victim's mind and emotions. Chronic abuse is about more than brute force.

    Try not to let fear control you, open your mind up to logic and reason then your instincts will be sharper. Under the right circumstances your fear can guide you.

    Here are two books that have greatly helped me in my life:

    *The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker
    *The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • The_Creep_is_here

      Creepy. .... but interesting.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • RoseIsabella

        Thanks, I do what I can.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
  • mysistersshadow

    Not unless there creepy or doing something they shouldn't.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • Ellenna

      How do you tell that they're not about to?

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • mysistersshadow

        I guess its a judgement call?

        Comment Hidden ( show )
      • kingofcarrotflowers

        On the other hand it'd be enotionally and mentally exhausting to constantly walk around trying to figure out or wait for men to do something like that, not to mention completely unfair to 90% of men

        Comment Hidden ( show )
    • RoseIsabella

      Good point!

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Ellenna

    I couldn't mark any of your suggested reasons: didn't it occur to you some of us may have experienced more than one form of abuse?

    It's been hard for me as a survivor to not be afraid of all men and especially after I was raped I deliberately put a lot of energy into not hating and fearing all men for what one man did. I have quite a few male friends and also grandsons, so I couldn't really write off the entire gender. Generally though, I am wary of men I don't know well and try and keep myself safe.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • Alice97

      I'm sorry, I didn't think to put an "all of the above" choice. I'm aware some people (myself included) have experienced more than one kind of abuse.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • wigz

    No, not unless they do something to cause it. However, I will be cautious as far as what situations I get into where men are involved. It's not that I am afraid of those particular guys at that particular moment but the reality is that can change quickly and women have to be vigilant. That often means taking extra precautions or foregoing things entirely.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • CreamPuffs

    I don't trust any strangers, which includes (but not limited to) men. Especially since they tend to be larger and stronger than me, and thus are more intimidating.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • xfg24

    Can't think of any reason why they should be.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • Ellenna

      Really? I can think of lots of reasons for women to be afraid of men

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • xfg24

        Yoga pants tear easily at the crotch.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
  • (s)aint

    Sadly yes. If I´m walking alone at night? I wear pants and try to get company and if possible avoid it all together.

    You owe it to yourself to stay safe.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • MauriceLikesChicks1015

    What you're saying makes no exact sense and it's a stupid post in general becuz both men&two men do the same exact thing whether if it's abuse,murder,drugs,etc. If you're afraid of us then you should be afraid of women as well becuz hat means you're very afraid of this world that we live in today.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • (s)aint

      Are you a woman?

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • MauriceLikesChicks1015

        That's none of your concern if I'm a male or a female.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
          -
        • (s)aint

          Because you talk like a man or an ugly woman.

          Comment Hidden ( show )
            -
          • MauriceLikesChicks1015

            No offense but you're sounding pretty stupid saying that. Don't always assume what others are or how they speak sorry but seriously don't always judge others for that. Like I said earlier whether I'm a male or female that is none of your concern. For all I know you could be a rapist or a pervert(female or male).

            Comment Hidden ( show )
              -
            • (s)aint

              Well,still. As a man you should keep your trap shut about what us women experience.

              A woman could be a murderer, yes. But do you think most men fear a shorter, skinnier woman when they are out walking?

              Comment Hidden ( show )