AMisogynistic Narcissist Situation, in Summary

On a Monday morning, I stepped outside to take out the garbage. I knew the handyman was out front, since he’d been working on the porch and siding, but I was startled when he first spoke. He was right there on the front porch and wanted to talk, talk, talk. I’m an introvert and not a morning person.

He asked me questions about my weekend, which led to his asking about what I like to read. I answered haltingly and gave a vague answer: “I read lots of different things.” My reading tastes are feminist and reflect my personality, so it’s not necessarily a topic I wish to discuss while taking out the trash and someone who is obviously not a feminist is talking.

Usually he liked to talk on and on about himself, such as boasting about his work. Originally he seemed nice. After a short time, I thought: This straight cis male is definitely not a feminist. So not someone I can speak openly around.

That morning, he tried to manipulate me into getting more specific about my reading. He chuckled and said, “Are you playing hard to get?” I may have frozen in place. That is a creepy, rapey, and manipulative phrase, as I immediately knew the instant he said them.

What are my biggest pet peeves? Sexism/misogyny and manipulation… or misogyny, narcissism, and sociopathy.

As is typical, I was too shocked to tell him off immediately. I went inside and processed and wrote. After a few sleepless nights, I confronted him. I said, “You used that creepy…