Everyone has heard of the fight or flight instinct. But did you know I possess and third response. Yep. I freeze. Once something dramatic is happening, my fight or flight is tugging back and forth and I can’t decide what to do. If you’ve read my previous posts, you know that I’ve been sexually assaulted. During those times, I froze.
The most recent time I was sexually assaulted, it was suddenly and caught me off guard. It happened outside at work in a very open and public place. I stepped back and yelled at my manager that was standing next to me and witnessed it happening. It was so quick that he wasn’t exactly sure what he just witnessed. But what I wish I would have done is took a step to the side and elbowed that guy right in the face in front of his wife and all the customers exiting and entering the establishment. I would have made a scene. I would have stuck up for myself. I’m a passive person and have no problem stepping up and defending other people. I’ve done it my entire life. But when it comes to defending myself, especially in public situations like that, I get scared and freeze. I really need to learn to get over that.

I did end up filing a police report and pressing charges. I’m not a TOTAL pushover.

Daily writing prompt

Write about a time when you didn’t take action but wish you had. What would you do differently?

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