How to Cope With Unexpected and Unwanted Advances: Tips For Baby Boomers and Seniors

Unexpected and unwanted advances can come from any direction, at any time. They may be heterosexual or homosexual in nature as well as directed towards baby boomers and seniors.. 

The article entitled “Facts about sexual harassment” addresses workplace issues suggesting that “sexual  harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title V11 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.”

Note that unexpected and unwanted advances are not always sexually or workplace oriented. 

Advances from others can seem to be fun and exciting, under the right circumstances. At other times, advances are not welcome or appreciated, especially when they prove not to be what they first seem to be. This can be or become a frightening scenario for the person targeted.

Coping with unexpected and unwanted advances from others requires good judgment on your part, regardless of where you are. Self-protection and personal safety are vital to your survival.

Be alert to warning signs:

Does the person making the unexpected and unwanted advances appear to be intoxicated? Is he or she becoming argumentative or behaving in a socially unacceptable manner? Intoxication frequently results in advances that quickly escalate and become unruly, rowdy or over-bearing in nature. A person involved in substance abuse may appear disoriented, confused re time and place or be looking for a fight. He or she may be perspiring heavily, panicky or appear overly excited in a sexual manner.

Avoid any close personal contact:  

Move away from any person who repeatedly makes unexpected or unwanted advances towards you. 

Immediately say no or indicate your displeasure with respect to any overt or subtle sexual advances. Do not encourage or invite him or her to participate in anything you are doing, including your conversations with others. Do not offer this person food or drinks, accept anything or do anything that might appear you are interested in pursuing a relationship. 

Stay close to someone you love, trust or know, if possible.

Do not give out your personal information like your cell phone number or e-mail address. Do not invite him or her to your home. Leave the area as soon as possible, but be aware that he or she may follow you and turn out to be a stalker. 

Avoid dark, lonely areas if you are walking alone.

Watch your personal possessions carefully:

It may not be you that the person making unexpected and unwanted advances towards you is interested in, but rather your money, jewelry or other personal possessions. Be careful with your wallet or purse. Perhaps he or she wants to steal the keys to your vehicle or obtain access to your home. He or she may be looking for alcohol or drugs, or even credit cards.

Report unexpected and unwanted advances: 

There are many different kinds of scenarios where advances toward you are questionable. Be aware that there are situations where this person may not be operating alone.

Reporting unexpected and unwanted advances helps to ensure your safety, especially when this person or others are or become persistent, threatening or abusive in any way. 

Learning self-defense techniques may appear to be a last resort, but may also save your life.