It’s a sad truth, but most women have at least one story of turning down a man, and the man not taking it well. At best, these situations are awkward. At worst, these situations turn violent.
Tumblr user daree-to-dream offers another option: making the guy think you’re giving him your number when you’re actually not.
Photo credit: Tumblr
daree-to-dream points out that these days, a lot of guys have clued in to the fact that women give out fake numbers. They might try to call right away, or use an online service like Spokeo to learn all about you and where you live (creepy).
She suggests picking a fake name, downloading the Google Voice app, connecting it to your email and setting up a phone number. Record a greeting with your fake name so if the guy calls it seems legit. You can even have it ring to your phone so it comes through like a regular phone call.
Photo credit: Tumblr
This post has been reblogged more than 40,000 times, which shows how much it resonates with other Tumblr users. Most users both appreciate the tip and are frustrated that women need to do something like this in the first place.
Photo credit: Tumblr
They’re not wrong. It’s incredibly frustrating that women need to worry about men becoming violent simply because they are told no. And yet, it’s a reality.
So, if you’re planning on a night out, it’s not a bad idea to have a strategy to get out of an uncomfortable or volatile situation. Use a fake number, have a code word or phrase to let your friends know you need an exit strategy, or let a staff member know you don’t feel safe.
In other words, be careful out there.
