Man new to an apartment building got off the elevator with a woman who lived on his floor — what she did next had him calling out men everywhere
For many women, being cautious is not an occasional choice but a constant part of navigating the world. Psychotherapist Bryan Khedive experienced an uncomfortable moment after moving into a new apartment building. He had returned from work one evening carrying groceries when he entered the elevator with a woman who lived on the same floor. Their brief journey ended with an interaction that made him think about how women experience everyday encounters with men. He later shared the incident in a Threads post on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, under the handle @khedivethatsyou, where he explained why he believed men needed to be more aware of the fear some women feel around them.
Bryan recalled that it was around 8 p.m. and the building seemed quiet, with no one else nearby. The woman asked which floor he was going to, and he told her he lived on the fifth floor. When they stepped out, they realized their apartments were in the same direction. However, as they walked down the corridor, Bryan noticed that the woman began moving much faster. She hurried toward her apartment and quickly locked herself inside. He was left standing there, realizing that his presence alone had made her feel uncomfortable, even though he had not approached or threatened her. He later wrote, "Women are terrified of us," reflecting on how deeply such fear can affect ordinary interactions. The moment made him consider how a situation that seemed harmless to him could feel very different to someone else.
Bryan used the experience to encourage men to think beyond their own intentions and understand why women may feel unsafe around unfamiliar men. He clarified that his message was not directed at individual men who felt the need to defend themselves, but was instead aimed at men as a group and the need to address behavior that creates fear. He also urged readers to contribute thoughtfully instead of turning the discussion into an argument about whether they personally made women uncomfortable.
Research also provides context for these concerns. According to a report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, strangers were responsible for a total of 23% of violent victimizations of women. The figure was 18% for rape and sexual assault and 30% for aggravated assault. This issue is also reflected in everyday situations outside the home, as women can face unwanted attention and feel vulnerable even when exercising alone in public spaces. One physical therapist had a frightening experience during a solo run after briefly nodding at a stranger on her path. Around 40 seconds later, she looked over her shoulder and noticed the man running behind her.
When she shouted, "Why are you running after me?" he denied following her. She continued warning him to keep his distance, and he eventually stopped pursuing her and headed in the opposite direction. The incident left her shaken and reminded her to stay aware of her surroundings, even while listening to music. She said the "scary" experience made her more vigilant, emphasizing, "It only takes one moment for an ordinary run to become something else."
For more such stories, follow @khedivethatsyou on Threads.