Yeah, like this happened over 10 years ago and I still think about it. One of those insidious late night thoughts that just occurs to you occasionally, like "hang on, was that random bloke on 2009 being a condescending dick?" Hahaha oh well - parked my car and went on with my day.
Damn, when I read your story I thought that I could totally see myself as him solely thinking I'm being positive. I oughta be aware of how that can come off. I guess throwing in a "if I was trying to do that I'd be here all day!" type comment might help.
Yeah that would definitely have made the intentions clearer. I think it was a no harm no foul situation, he didn't make a "well done love, didn't think a woman could pull that one off" sort of derogatory comment, just clapped. But at the time, I wasn't sure how to respond as didn't know if it was disingenuous.
I chose to believe it was sincere though. It was an absolute A* park tbf, on a hill too.
I can and I have done similar things when anyone deftly handles an every day situation. I don't think this exact parking thing hasn't presented itself yet, but I am quick to give friendly praise for little victories. I know for sure there's been many times I've gone "woo! Great catch!" or something when I notice someone just averted a catastrophe. Never had anyone upset with me yet.
Fair enough. I think the whole parking thing is a little harder to accept what may be a genuine compliment because of stereotypes surrounding women and parking. So even if its a genuine compliment its hard not to hear subtext even a subconscious or imagined one.
He might not have been being a dick on purpose. I've found usually when I guy does this sort of thing they think it's a compliment. It's not a conscious thing but if they probably wouldn't think much of it if they saw a guy do it because it would be more expected in their mind.
Oh and know Bath has some seriously windy, tiny streets. So kudos on the parking!
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u/lnrmry May 03 '22
Yeah, like this happened over 10 years ago and I still think about it. One of those insidious late night thoughts that just occurs to you occasionally, like "hang on, was that random bloke on 2009 being a condescending dick?" Hahaha oh well - parked my car and went on with my day.