heckled two times in 1 week

[Medianox]

I agree that ignoring is the best, though sometimes hardest, thing to do. One of my co-workers and I just had this conversation the other day. She's a runner in obviously good physical condition (and ex-military) but gets harrassed and indimidated by motorists (and even other pedestrians) fairly frequently. I'm not naive but even so I was shocked at the rudeness of the stuff people say to her. In that context, I'm sure I'd get upset, angry and embarassed by whatever was said.
I just had my first comment tossed at me yesterday on the way home and even though it was very tame, it did leave me wondering why people feel the need to say *anything* at all...I was heading home from work on the bike path portion of the ride when I passed a group of 3 teenage boys carrying skateboards. One of them called out-"Wanna race?!" and then they all laughed-yes, very tame, pretty innocent, and kinda funny. Could have been a lot worse for sure-he probably would have beat me!

[channlluv]

What kind of things get yelled at someone like your very fit, former-military runner friend? I mean, I get the occasional stare or outright snort from people walking around the lake, but no one's ever yelled something abusive at me.

I don't usually ride on regular streets, though, so I've never heard it.

Roxy

[Medianox]

What kind of things get yelled at someone like your very fit, former-military runner friend? I mean, I get the occasional stare or outright snort from people walking around the lake, but no one's ever yelled something abusive at me.

I don't usually ride on regular streets, though, so I've never heard it.

Roxy

She says people mostly yell stuff like, "get off the road b****" and sometimes comment on her race (she's caucasian). She is by no means a timid person but, as she said to me, "when you are out on a road and a car drives by and says something, you get a little scared if there is no one else around.". She carries pepperspray but has only used it on a dog so far.
We live in an area where there is a lot of gang activity and random violence is not unheard of so I can understand her apprehension.

[Biciclista]

if it's possible, I try to get close and talk to them in a calm pleasant voice. THey hate to be confronted with your humanity.
"why were you yelling at me?"
"do I know you?"

stuff like that.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

if it's possible, I try to get close and talk to them in a calm pleasant voice. THey hate to be confronted with your humanity.
"why were you yelling at me?"
"do I know you?"

stuff like that.

I use this tactic a LOT in life's confrontational moments. It's my favorite and most effective means of dealing with difficult people!

[gnat23]

Blow a kiss at 'em.

-- gnat! (I pretend they're complimenting how my butt looks in spandex)

[Eden]

There's a woman around here who deals with those types by putting her best "mom" on..

[in a really concerned tone] I heard you yell, but I couldn't tell what you were saying. Are you OK - do you need help, are you asking me for help? Can I call someone for you? Your parents, the police - is everything OK...