I'm afraid my interest would offend women. Girls, what DO you find offensive?

Anonymous
I've usually had trouble showing interest in girls, but fear of rejection really hasn't played a part in it.

I've more often felt that girls get creeped out, annoyed, or offended by male interest. I hear, more than anything, girls talking about how guys are jerks for liking girls' looks, or having a high libido.

It makes my interest feel as though it would be perceived as slimy and/or creepy. As though girls are so easily offended that you're walking on eggshells before you say something that is taken in an offensive light.

-Take my case back in 2010. I flirtatiously told a friend of mine that she had an adorable smile and a strong will. The next day, I was shoved against a wall and yelled at, received death threats, and was reported to campus security.

The girls later named me suspect in stalking and predatory behavior, and named me as a possible suspect in breaking into someone's apartment. Luckily, security worked with me and helped clear things up.

-Next, take the case of Rebecca Watson in Dublin, where a man asked if she would be interested in hanging out at his apartment. She said "no". He said "Okay" and the conversation ended.

When she got back, she described the situation as misogynistic, hateful, and devaluing of her as a person. Was it awkward? Perhaps. But hateful seems far-fetched.

So basically, I'm afraid that a simple, well-intended show of interest is just bound to be misconstrued as predatory, creepy, and inappropriate. Is this a rational fear, or a phobia?

Furthermore:

Girls, what exactly DOES offend you, specifically. And what DOESN'T offend you? What is a way of making sure I'm safe when showing interest?
I'm afraid my interest would offend women. Girls, what DO you find offensive?
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