Good evening. I’m going to be going off for a few minutes, so you can duck out now if you don’t want to read it.

I’ve been having an issue for a few months with a guy I’ve never met who added me on social media. He’s asked me out on a few occasions, and I politely rejected him each time. After each rejection, he would comment something not-so polite on one of my pages.

For those of you who don’t really know me, I spent most of my life being a complete doormat who was afraid of offending people. Part of it is upbringing. Part of it is the cultural expectation that women should be “nice”. Stand-up comedy has helped me become more assertive and defend myself.

With that being said, I’ve managed to fire a witty retort back at homeboy after each jab he takes at me. He does not appear to be as armed in this battle of wits. He actually has gotten pretty butt-hurt each time, which is pretty damn funny to me. I know that’s mean of me. I never claimed to be a nice person, and he should learn to stop provoking people if he can’t take it after dishing it out.

I had someone ask me today why I haven’t blocked him. Honestly, he registers so low on my radar that I forgot about his existence entirely after the first few incidents. Also, at this point I don’t want to back down. He can block me if it bothers him enough. Which it might, if he keeps making jabs at me.

The same person also told me to “beware unintended consequences”. That’s all fine and well, but I have the right to defend myself and respond to snide comments. In addition, this guy is honestly such a little passive-aggressive whiner that I can’t see him doing anything in person. (Actually, even if he did, I invite him to see what would happen afterwards. I’m sure I’ll be even less civil without the opportunity to edit myself online.)

I guess the root of my annoyance today is that women are still expected to be “nice”, even if we’re being provoked. I would rather say what’s on my mind instead of act fake. If that makes me not-ladylike, I embrace it.

Alright, I’m gonna get some writing done and prepare myself for the inevitable slew of comments. See you guys in the morning.