Finding Grace for You, But Mostly for Me #MeToo

Are you sure you were firm in your response? 

Are you sure you clearly said, “No”? 

We should cut him some slack. There are some cultural and language barriers, so maybe he didn’t get the message.

Well, at least he didn’t touch you.

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How about instead of dissecting my words, you just listen?

Bite your tongue.
Notice my body language.
Ask me how I’m doing.

Believe me when I tell you it was unwanted.
That’s all you should need to know.

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I’m angry that I was just doing my job.
I’m angry that people told me to keep “proof” just in case.
I’m angry that I worried about my “proof” not being enough.

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Even though he’s gone, I still feel emotionally exhausted. 
Even though it’s “resolved,” there is still a lingering fear about my safety.

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As I am healing…

I am finding grace for those who immediately supported me… and didn’t try to defend or excuse his actions. 

I am finding grace for those who shared their own experiences — It makes me angry that so many women have experiences to share.

I am finding grace for the friends who lightened the mood.

I am finding grace for how immediate action was taken.

I am finding grace for him. 

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The last time I saw him, I remember thinking to myself, 
“What were you thinking?? 
Why did you think your behavior was okay?”

That was not okay.

Not okay at all.

#MeToo.