50 Women Who Made Creepy Men Immediately Regret Their Life Decisions Through Savage Comebacks (New Pics)

Even in this day and age of progress, where society condemns behaviors like toxic masculinity, some men continue to objectify women. According to University of South Carolina sociology professor Deborah J. Cohan, among possible reasons are entitlement and a social context of tolerance. 

"People objectify those they consider 'less than'—less worthy, less valuable, and less human," Cohan told Bored Panda. "The root word of objectification is 'object,' and when people are objectified, they are regarded as things. Things can be tossed around and mistreated, discarded, disposed of, and replaced."

Psychotherapist Carolyn Karoll points to possible insecurity and emotional avoidance. As she explained, many men tend to equate dominance and control with worth, resulting in them seeing women as possessions to make them feel “safer.” 

“Ironically, the illusion of ownership offers a false sense of power while keeping men emotionally submissive to outdated gender norms,” she said.

Karoll adds that media imagery only reinforces misogynistic behavior in men, with character depictions in films and television normalizing the objectification of women. This ongoing trend could be one reason why such toxic behavior remains prevalent in society today. 

Karoll also pointed out an important point: feminist movements may create awareness, but their threat to the hierarchy may lead men to perceive it as a personal attack.

Here’s another unfortunate reality: many women continue to experience harassment despite setting boundaries. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to deter creepy male advances effectively, according to clinical psychologist Dr. Maya Borgueta. 

Responses will depend on the situation. As Dr. Borgueta explained, an aggressive comeback may lead to retaliation, which could result in unwanted attention that would distract the person from their professional goals.

So, what would be the most effective response to inappropriate male advances? Karoll has one straightforward piece of advice: disengage and document. But for such behaviors to be eradicated, she says a system overhaul would be necessary. 

“Change must come not from individual women managing harassment but from collective accountability, cultural shifts, and redefining masculinity itself.”

Lowcountry Yoga owner Erica Lindquist provided a more holistic perspective. She encourages removing your energy and “c*****g the circuit.” 

“Eliminate eye contact, disengage emotionally, and return to your core. Settle your nervous system with a deep breath,” she said, adding that this practice “solidifies your energetic center” and “sends a greater message than words ever will.”