This is not to diminish the power and effectiveness of communication styles that are traditionally female-coded.
It’s about what works in a confrontation between an aggressive man and an intimidated woman.
Of course, the best way to avoid a confrontation is to … avoid it. Leave the scene when you can. But real life doesn’t always work that way, and you need to have some strategies in mind so you’ll know what to do if confronted by an angry, aggressive, or otherwise inappropriate person.
When a woman is dealing with a confrontational male, the social contract tells us to be quiet, not make a scene, and hope the encounter ends quickly.
We are told, implicitly and explicitly, that speaking up for ourselves makes things worse.
The truth is, being quiet and submissive was always a deeply flawed solution, and when faced with a nonresistant woman, many men will feel empowered to escalate the violence.
And politely asking an aggressor to stop being aggressive simply doesn’t work.
Although it goes against our collective cultural conditioning, oftentimes the best response to a confrontational or inappropriate male is to be loud and firm, in a tone that allows no room for negotiation or argument.
This assertive verbal language and accompanying body language is often what we consider “male-encoded.”
Consider the difference between a woman quietly saying, “Please stop doing that. You’re making me feel uncomfortable,” versus the same woman saying, “YOU! CUT THAT OUT!” while making a noticeable jerking motion with her thumb.
The assertive approach accomplishes two things: it puts the aggressor on notice that you are NOT an easy target and whatever he does to you will come with a consequence; and it alerts anyone nearby that you are in a precarious situation and they may need to step in or call for help.
Before you’re ever faced with a situation, think of aggressive phrases men use, and role-play saying these same things out loud. Practice until you’re comfortable saying these things firmly, authoritatively, and are able to call them up instantly.
