Okay look, sharing experiences online means getting messages, right? And let’s be real, a bunch of guys slide into my DMs about feet. It got weird fast sometimes, so I figured I gotta find a safer way to handle this stuff. Here’s exactly what I tried, step by step, kinda learned the hard way:
1. Actually Saying “No” Up Front.
Before? I’d just ignore the weird foot guys. Big mistake. They’d keep messaging, or get sneaky about it later. Total headache. So now, first thing? If someone pops off with a foot comment outta nowhere, especially a creepy one? I shut it down fast and clear. Like literally typing: “Hey, not interested in chatting about feet.” Or even just “No thanks.” Seems simple, but man, actually saying “no” right away saved me tons of awkwardness later. It’s like putting up a fence.
2. Making My Own Dumb Rules.
Boundaries sound fancy, nah. I just figured out my own hard lines after getting burned. Stuff like:
- Zero tolerance for insults: Some dudes think calling you names gets them attention. Nope. Block.
- Sharing pics? Only if I want to: Not because someone demands it or tries to pressure me with gifts.
- No talking late night: My personal time is mine. After 9 PM? DMs get ignored till morning. Reduced so much nonsense.
The key? Actually sticking to them. Feels weird at first, saying “Nope, breaking a rule, done,” but dang it works.
3. Talking Like People, Not Objects.
Some guys dive straight into the foot stuff. Like, zero “hello.” Super jarring. What I started doing instead? I chat back, but I steer it away from feet immediately. Ask about their dog, their job kinda sucks, whatever. Normal stuff. Surprise surprise? A lot just ghost! The ones who actually wanna chat like humans? Okay, maybe we vibe a bit. Keeps things way less transactional and way less creepy.
4. Meeting Up? Forget It.
Seemed harmless at first. One guy seemed okay online, said he just wanted to “talk about photography techniques,” mentioned feet casually… ugh. We met at a coffee shop. Dude spent the whole time staring at my shoes under the table and asking weirdly specific questions. Super uncomfortable! Now? Hard pass. My rule is simple: Online connection stays online. Period. My real life stays separate.
5. Block Button Is My Best Friend.
This was the biggest change. I used to agonize: “Is it rude to block?” Screw that. Now? The second someone pushes past my “no,” makes me uncomfortable, or gets demanding? Click. Blocked. No explanation needed sometimes. Seriously, liberating! I don’t need that energy, and it sends a clear message. Feels like taking the trash out immediately instead of letting it stink up the place.
Look, it’s not perfect. Still get the occasional weirdo sliding in. But honestly? Actually using these tips made handling the “foot thing” online a million times less stressful and way safer. Felt like taking control back. Still learning, but at least I ain’t panicking when I open my inbox now!
