Almost every woman we’ve spoken to about being overseas has a story about being “hit on” or, to put it more politely, receiving amorous advances. There are many reasons why, such as that men think that since you are a strong, confident woman, you don’t have a man and so may want or need sex. Some misinterpret your strength as a sexual advance, finding independent, self-assured women appealing. Some may want to take advantage of the fact that you are in a foreign land and may not know how to call for help.
Sometimes it’s culturally acceptable to have affairs and lovers, so your coworkers or clients will think that you are game. Whatever the reason, you can almost certainly count on it happening to you. Here are a few stories from our surveyed women, which—for obvious reasons—we’ve left anonymous this time.
In most of these cir cum stances, the women firmly but politely declined the advances or left the scene. Your surprise, disgust, or overreaction may amuse the man making the advance. Keep your safety first and foremost, and if you don’t think you can handle the situation by yourself, call for help. Keep in mind that wearing a wedding band does not keep these men at bay—in fact, it sometimes invites them in.
One of my coworkers came on to me at a meeting. I told him I was married, and he said, “That’s good, so am I. It makes it less complicated, no?”
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