Now that I've thought about it

What I would like to say to the two young men I overheard while walking down the street yesterday, now that I’ve thought about it.

When I heard you talking about a young woman you both know, and one of you joked that you’d “domestic violence” her. And I pulled up so hard that I came to a standstill and stared back at you in disbelief. And when I walked on, you said, “I made a stupid joke, that was a stupid joke”, and you sounded like you meant it. And though it was broad daylight, and busy, I still decided that I’d rather have you where I could see you than behind me, so I slowed down and made sure you walked past.

What I would like to say, now that I’ve thought about it, is that you looked like good lads, and I know you thought you were making a joke.

But that they’ve just put a rapist into the White House (again).

And that as you go forwards in life, I hope that you’ll think about what’s it like for the women around you to be women.

And that you learn to read the room.

And, most of all, I hope that you make the decision to commit to being the very best men that you can be. Because it’s a tough old world out there, lads, and the only way you’ll get through this is with self-respect, and respect for others. And you need to be the best that you can possibly be.

And I’d wish you luck with this, and I’d say, ‘Take care.’