“No.” [adverb] -- A negative used to express dissent, denial, or refusal as in response to a question or request. A phrase that sometimes isn’t taken seriously and is ignored despite consistent resistance (a condition commonly seen in sexually driven, privileged males).
So let me break this down for those who still don’t get it: No means no. Not “maybe” or “I’ll think about it” and it definitely doesn’t mean “I’m playing hard to get.” It means no. For example, this is how a someone should react when rejected:
Person A: Hey babe, you down?
Person B: No thanks.
Person A: It’s cool. TTYL.
So why can’t some people (read: self-centered jerks) take “no” for an answer? They act like they’re entitled to getting a “yes” and when they don’t get what they want, they become pushy and throw tantrums. I don’t mean to sound sexist, but this is an issue is commonly found when sexually aroused males aren’t satisfied and they don’t get what they want, when they want it (in most cases, they want a girl and they want her now (but hey, I don’t know your life)). When a guy (or girl) asks their person of interest if they’re “down” and the POI says “no,” it’s 100% unlikely that they really aren’t “down,” they don’t want to change their mind and they’d like it if you drop the subject once the rejection is issued.
I recently ran into this kind of situation where I gave a polite but firm no to a guy but he wouldn’t take it. Long story short, I blocked him after he ignored my requests to be left alone. It’s annoying and something that a young adult such as myself should not have to endure but unfortunately, people like him won’t stop, and I’m shocked that most victims brush off these incidents. This is a form of harassment and it’s time that these inappropriate bullies are stopped once and for all and have them own up to their behavior.
Unfortunately, sometimes their behavior can lead to crimes. More specifically, rape. Consent is crucial. Let me repeat that: Without consent (two people agreeing; a ‘yes’) any promiscuous actions could and probably will be considered sexual harassment. If a person is in no condition to give a conscience answer, it’s always the safest route to leave them be and assume a no. If someone does say ‘no,’ their answer is to be respected. This includes no name calling or trying to change their mind.
If you are being harassed via social media, do not feel guilty if you decide to block the person who is bothering you. Any sensible person should get the message the first time, but the ultimatum of being blocked will most definitely put a halt to any annoying bully.
Lastly, if this is an ongoing problem for you, don’t feel ashamed or scared to report the person harassing you. If you can’t get someone to leave you alone and you’ve said no and blocked them, you can be assured you’ll never hear from them again if you tell a person of authority (whether it be a parent, teacher, campus security, police). If you’re the one asking and your POI says no, take the answer and leave them alone.
