The most awkward conversation on earth—I get it. It’s not supposed to be comfortable. It’s supposed to be the most uncomfortable thing you’ve ever had to sit through.
It’s supposed to make your stomach twist, make you look for the door.
Afraid your voice might betray you. Worried you’ll say the wrong thing. Afraid to make eye contact.
Wishing you were anywhere else, wishing you hadn’t asked, wishing you hadn’t stopped.
Wanting it to stop. Wanting them to see how uncomfortable you are—
that you’re triggered, that you’re upset, that you want them to stop.
But you’re too polite to ask.
And it’s making you wonder if you’ll ever see or think of that person the same way again.
Don’t worry, it’s supposed to make you feel that way. It’s sexual assault. I get it. I felt all those things too.

Kandyce Betts Kalincak