My boyfriend and I went on holiday to Blackpool last week. There were a few incidents of harassment and I have to say one of them really upset me….

As usual I got a few funny looks off people (I should be used to it by now) the odd “Ew” muttered as I walked past but what really struck me down was when I was walking through the town centre, near the Blackpool tower and a man walked past me looking me up and down then said “fucking hell” in a what I would describe a “disgusted” tone. It happened so quickly and unexpected. I turned around to look at him and he kept looking back at me with a smirk on his face. I felt absolutely awful. I was full up with a cold and was already feeling miserable because it wore me down when I was supposed to be enjoying myself.

My boyfriend didn’t see it happen because he was a few metres ahead of me. I told him and he just told me that people like him are idiots. Yes that’s true but that “idiot” ruined the rest of my day. I didn’t feel like doing anything else and just wanted to go straight back to the hotel and cry out of frustration. But for his sake I swallowed my anger and continued “enjoying” our day.

Just to note, I know I shouldn’t have to justify myself but no I am not the most attractive woman. I am slightly overweight, taller than the average female, have my hair natural because straightening it takes up too much time and wear light make up. I don’t doll myself up like most women my age do (I’m 21) I never even used to wear make up but I’m self conscious of my pale face so I wear some light foundation. I love my long red wavy hair but sometimes it gets frizzy. Because I was feeling under the weather that day I didn’t look my best.

I am so sick of constantly feeling worried about the way I look. Just because I’m a woman, I have to look pretty despite how I’m feeling otherwise I am going to be judged. That is exactly what happened that day. Fed up isn’t the word.

- Clarice

Location: Blackpool, UK

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