Women all over the world walk to work, school, or to their homes.

They hear the same names all the time: baby, sweetie, sweetheart, hun, shorty. They aren’t compliments.

In fact, as one of these women who has had comments made to them, I find it offensive. Not only is it disrespectful to women, but it is terrifying to experience.

As little girls we were all told not to talk to strangers, and we grew up following this rule.

When a random man on the street catcalls to a woman, they find themselves quickly shuffling away to avoid any confrontation with a stranger.

Unless you are a girl’s boyfriend or husband, you should not feel the need to say anything pertaining to her appearance.

A man may feel that he has the right to say something, but then when someone asks him to stop he is offended.

It is selfish to act as if a woman’s comfort is worth more than the pride that a man takes in commenting on her.

I think that if a woman feels uncomfortable a man should back off immediately. It is a man’s job to know his limits and to be respectful.

Boys just aren’t being raised to be gentlemen nowadays. They are not raised to know a woman’s boundaries and they do not know how to properly treat a woman.

Next time you’re tempted to comment on a woman, stop yourself.

Hold your tongue and think for a moment about how it may affect her.

She isn’t going to be flattered, she’ll probably be scared.

She could run away, she could call the police, or she could confront you in anger.

Both the choice and the consequences are yours.