Dear men who want me to cover up, why don't you avert your gaze first?

Why can't men learn to control themselves instead of asking me to cover up? Photo Courtesy: Pinterest/Robs D

Have you ever encountered a man looking incessantly at you as though he has some X-ray glasses on and would literally peak into your clothes? Have those stares made you so uncomfortable that you end up questioning your own fashion sense or simply start running in the other direction fearing your safety?

Well, I've certainly experienced such incidents in life and even committed the folly of sharing it with many guys around me. I call that a folly because the only consolation I've ever got from them is "you shouldn't wear revealing clothes". Honestly, all that has come out of this regressive and absolutely ridiculous piece of advice is a sense of disgust and the conclusion that these advisors are distant relatives of men who don't get the concept of consent and blame it on a girl's clothes rather than their own horrendous upbringing and misguided principles.

But the fact is that it's never a survivor's fault, whatsoever. Here's why I will continue to whatever I want instead of what I am told: 

Also read: Dear molester, I hated you for years, but now, I feel sorry for you.

Maah Life, Maah Rulezz
If you come to think of it, this seemingly wannabe social-media status isn't just for all the Angel Priyas and Papa ki pari's on the Internet. It has a rather deep meaning.

Basically, when it comes to dealing with the morons who expect girls to be modestly dressed, this power-phrase sends out one clear message: You have absolutely no say in my life, whatsoever.

Who the f***k is anyone to dictate the terms to me and tell me what to wear? I really don't remember stealing anyone else's money to buy those clothes. And I definitely don't remember having asked for anyone's 'muft ka gyan' in life. Moreover, I have serious problems with lecherous jerks breathing around me, but did I even once ask you to stop breathing? I don't think so.

I Couldn't Care Less About Your Hairy/Shaved Legs, So Why Do You Care About My Waxed Ones?
I don't remember staring at the legs of a man clad in shorts-however short they are. Neither do I remember lusting after even the most sculpted man-cleavage-however deep his shirt is. So why in the world do you have to stare at my unintentional or intentional sneak-peak of my cleavage/legs/arms?

Respect is a two-way road, remember? Give it to get it back.

Also watch: Here's what men think of women who don't wax or shave regularly.

Why Don't You Start Covering Up Instead?
I choose to not be a shameless, insensitive, freedom-curbing pest in life, so I won't ask you to be 'modestly' dressed in full-length pants or completely-buttoned-up shirts. Because you know what? I am aware of the value of the right to freedom that this democratic country has blessed us with. But I can definitely ask you to cover up your eyes because it's MY frickin' body you're staring at.

Unlike You, I Choose To Be Sensitive Towards My Fellow Beings Despite Them Being Unworthy
So I have the perfect solution for you and your out-of-control weapon: Watch porn. I'm sure there's a lot of fodder there. The best part? Those movies were made with consent from the woman and so you have the license to stare. Also, you wouldn't have to restrict yourself and give your boiling frustration just the right outlet, you know?

Also watch: In a society that promotes rape culture, 7 women share their worst fears.

In The Meanwhile, Stop Using My Clothes as a Way to Mask Your Lust
I've been stared at when I was clad in a mini skirt. But I've also been stared at when I was wearing a fully-covered salwar kameez. So you know what? My change of clothes will not lead to a change in your mentality. 

Reminder: I Also Have Pretty Feet
Ever noticed? I don't think so. It's funny how the gaze is usually either stuck just below my neck or just on my behind. In fact, at one point I had come to believe that God actually wasted time crafting my hands, arms, legs, and abdomen. Such a waste of bones and skin I tell you.