Feeling Exhausted After a Terrifying Encounter While DoorDash Driving
Sometimes it’s just exhausting to be a woman.
I (22F) recently started to DoorDash in order to earn a little extra cash. I figured it was an easy way to set my own hours, and hey I love driving around in the evenings so why not get paid for it? So earlier this evening I pull up to a pizza place, c*_t the engine, and then hear a voice calling “Hi!”. After glancing over I see a man sitting in his car two spaces over, windows down, waving enthusiastically. I shrug it off, give a polite nod and head directly inside keeping my eyes down on my phone.
As I pass his car I hear him call out “woah!” and feel him staring at me as I quickly slide into the safety of the tiny pizza place. At this point I’m mildly uncomfortable, but it’s not like having strange men call things to women is anything new. I tell the teenaged employees the name on the order and stand off the the side to wait on the food.
“That’s a nice mask, where did you get it?”
Then his headlights turn off... and then back on. Off, then on. Then his brights, back to normal, off, and on. This charade goes on for a moment, his lights shining directly into the small store waiting area where I am standing. I keep my eyes glued to my phone and refuse to look up at the lights, not wanting to give any acknowledgement to the man in the car. The lights go off.
“You’re beautiful”
And then he steps into the store. Let me be clear, this was a small space. He shows an employee what I assume was an order on his phone, and then starts talking to me. Between a thick accent and the muffling of a face mask I only catch snippets of his words, each more uncomfortable than the last- Glance up, polite nod or one word answer, then eyes back down to phone. Disengage. I avoid as much of the conversation as one can without abandoning the food and leaving. As soon as my order is done I take the food, give a slight nod on my way out, and book it to my car. Door locks go on the second I’m inside.
🏠 The Aftermath
Feeling shaken, I finally made it back to my car and drove away, relieved to be safe from the uncomfortable encounter.
Despite the eerie incident, I completed the delivery and continued with my DoorDash shift, but with a heightened sense of caution.
The consequences of this encounter left me feeling anxious and on edge, aware of the potential risks that come with being a woman alone in public spaces.
Safety is a priority, and it’s important to trust your instincts in unsettling situations.
While I made it through unharmed, the emotional toll of the incident lingered, reminding me of the vulnerability that comes with navigating the world as a woman.
💭 Emotional Reflection
Reflecting on the encounter, it's disheartening to realize the constant vigilance and discomfort that women face in simply going about their daily lives.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased awareness and support for women who encounter such unsettling situations.
The fine line between safety and independence is a challenging balance to maintain, especially in moments of vulnerability like this one.
Sharing my story to raise awareness and gather feedback on navigating similar scenarios.
Feeling unsafe in public spaces is a common concern for many women.
Maintaining personal safety should always be a top priority, especially in unfamiliar situations.
Women should not have to endure discomfort or fear while simply going about their daily activities.
Receiving mixed responses, it's evident that the issue of women's safety in public spaces is complex and requires ongoing dialogue and support.
🌱 Final Thoughts
It's crucial to prioritize personal safety and well-being, even in seemingly harmless situations that can quickly escalate.
Navigating the balance between independence and safety as a woman highlights the ongoing challenges and need for awareness in society.
What do you think?
Would you have felt the same in this situation or taken a different approach? Share your thoughts below 👇
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