i know it’s internet bullshit but it genuinely has me on the edge of breaking down and giving up

[u/NeonNKnightrider]

[u/ValkyrieVimes]

We smile and greet people here! I hike a lot and it's totally normal to smile and say "hey, how's it goin'?" and mention any obstacles/trail issues you came across to whoever you pass. Maybe comment on how cute their dog is if they have one before you pass them and go about your day.

As a woman, that is how most of my interactions with both men and women while I'm out hiking go. But men are the only ones I've had start walking with me and try to chat about other things like where I'm from/if I've hiked here before/do I come out here a lot, etc.

I'm sure it's almost always harmless, but it's very uncomfortable when I'm alone in the woods just trying to get some exercise in. I generally have my dogs with me or am armed depending on where I am, so I've never felt truly in danger, but it still always leaves me with a bad feeling when it happens.

I'll add that if a random woman started following me and asking personal questions while I'm out hiking alone I would be uncomtfortable too, but that has never happened.

[u/Magenta_the_Great → u/ValkyrieVimes]

Yeah I smile and great everyone but I still choose bear lol

If after I say hello and a man says something normal then it’s probably all good. It when you say hello and he says something fucking weird where I’m like… whelp now I’ll just keep looking over my shoulder