When he was three, on a summer day, my little brother climbed the stairs of our house and ran up to me and the neighbors kid.
He had some medical issues as a baby, so most of his toddler and early childhood years, he looked rather frail and bony. Great kid, but not really what you'd describe as cute. Not on this day though.
He ran up to me all smiley faced and star-eyed and yelled my name. You know, like in the movies. I remember how the neighbors kid just quietly sighed "cute" right next to me. I was so damn proud.
I wish it was something more sophisticated like seeing his health or whatever. All I can say is that I was really fucking proud of how incredibly cute my little brother was, while he wobbled into my arms.
10 years ago, a Black woman told me that, while it's perfectly valid to disagree with other people's opinions, I should rethink the level of confidence that I depict when discussing a topic that I don't know all that much about.
She probably saved quite a few others and myself from a fair bit of trouble.
Among the guys who answered with yes, more than one stated to be on the bigger/taller side, which makes sense. I also know some taller, sporty looking women who look out for people being afraid of them sometimes. Never happens to me, I'm the female goblin.
You probably know that, but this is exactly the thing that a lot of women and girls do, just reversed. Calling a friend or pretending to be on the phone when in a dark alley. I think the first time I did that was at 14 or something.
It's not weird at all. Just didn't register with me before that there might be multiple reasons why people do it.
For context: I happen to look very nonthreatening. Literally no one is scared of me, ever. For better or for worse. That doesn't even apply to most women, I'd say. So, if I'm not consciously thinking about it or someone tells me, I won't notice details like that. It's honestly good to know.
Guyfriends told me before that they do the crossing the street thing. Or walking a bit faster at night to get past me. I noticed people do that sometimes. Never noticed the former (which might mean it just works) and I very much appreciate the latter.
Just happy that more and more people develop some awareness for this stuff.
As for the humming: it certainly helps prevent jump scares I guess. Since some assholes also whistled or hummed at me before, only to try and get my attention, I'll still very much ignore men who do that, just in case.
Knowing the reason, I'll recognize and appreciate the gesture as a nice one in the future though.
No, I meant actual creeps, like someone making a noise and then aggressively hitting on me or saying something disgusting. Those happen from time to time.
The pattern that makes us think things are cute (=young) is pretty universal among animals. It includes big eyes, big heads in relation to the rest of the body, small noses and a small mouth. We find things like cats super cute, because even adult cats are pretty close to that pattern, compared to f.e. adult humans.
So I guess that an animal whose adult form is less close to this pattern than ours would probably think of us as especially cute?
I personally think we're pretty hideous though. Weird, hairless apes.
When I first read this one, I thought it sounded crazy. Then I realized I know what you mean and am able to do it.
Maybe it's normal and it's just the description that doesnt click with people? Anyone in the comments who thinks they can't do it?