A conversation once happened that someone shared with me about a man who was pushing conversational boundaries in ways she obviously wasn’t comfortable with. Her struggle wasn’t that she didn’t realize something was wrong—it was that she didn’t know what to say in the moment that would be quick and to the point without freezing up or sounding “too rude.”

Enter: every woman’s struggle.

The truth is that people are rarely shut down by what we do say to someone creepin’. We get shut down by what we don’t say.

That’s why this list is going to serve as a comprehensive verbal toolkit for you to speak something when someone is creeping you out, crossing boundaries, flirting where you haven’t welcomed it, or otherwise making you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Simple. Clear. Powerful.

No nonsense.

Just responses.

80 Things to Say to Creepy Men

1. Clear boundary setting statements

(u need these)

1. “That makes me uncomfortable, stop.”
2. Don’t talk to me like that again.
3. You are crossing a boundary right now.
4. I don’t like this conversation.
5. Stop speaking to me that way.
6. I’m not okay with what you’re saying.
7. That’s inappropriate, don’t continue.
8. I don’t want this kind of attention.
9. Respect my space.
10. This needs to stop.
11. I’m not comfortable talking to you right now.
12. That’s not okay to say.
13. Don’t continue that statement.
14. You’re creeping me out.
15. I’ve said no, don’t pressure me.

Read also: 13 Physical Traits Women Like in Men

2. Statements that clearly end the conversation

(high draw bridge)

16. I want to end this conversation.
17. I don’t want to talk to you anymore.
18. I’m done talking to you.
19. I’m not responding to you anymore.
20. Please stop texting me.
21. I’m not talking to you anymore.
22. I will not continue this conversation.
23. Don’t message me again.
24. I’m good.
25. Leave me alone.
26. Back the hell up.
27. I don’t feel safe/uncomfortable talking to you right now.
28. That is your final warning.
29. Let’s not talk.
30. Next.

Read also: 100 Conversation Starters for Neighbors

3. Short responses that calmly deflect

(if u don’t wanna yell)

31. Why would you say that?
32. That’s inappropriate to say.
33. Keep it professional.
34. I don’t understand what you mean.
35. I don’t talk about that stuff.
36. Let’s talk about something else.
37. I don’t take comments like that.
38. Stop talking to me like that.
39. I don’t know why you would say that but please stop.
40. Enough.
41. Keep it respectful or keep it quiet.
42. WOW.
43. I don’t appreciate that.
44. Let’s keep things professional.
45. Don’t talk to me like that to someone.

4. Questions that hold people accountable (flipped the pressure)

(not aggressive, just exposed)

46. Why are you speaking to me like that?
47. What do you want me to say to that?
48. Do you think that’s okay to say?
49. Why do you feel comfortable saying that?
50. Would you say that to your mother?
51. What makes you think that’s okay?
52. Do you realize how you sound?
53. What kind of reaction were you looking for?
54. Do you talk to every person you see like that?
55. What are you trying to ask?

5. Short responses that allow you to walk away (quick draw)

(explode and go)

56. No.
57. Stop.
58. Don’t.
59. Enough said.
60. No sir.
61. Wrong person.
62. Don’t want to.
63. Leave me alone.
64. Back off, pumpkin.
65. No further questions.
66. No.
67. Don’t say another word.
68. End of conversation.
69. Get out of my face.
70. Get lost.

6. Public escalation phrases

(to keep things serious)

71. Step back from me.
72. I don’t know you, please stop coming at me.
73. You are making me feel unsafe.
74. I will scream if you do not stop touching me.
75. Get back.
76. Do not follow me.
77. My knees feel weak and I want to walk away. Please leave me alone.
78. Seriously man, stop.
79. Stop, it’s not okay to do that in public.
80. I do not agree to engage with you.

Conclusion

Confidence with these types of situations comes with realizing that you don’t need to be polite. You just need to be CLEAR. FAST. FIRM.

The worst thing you can do when setting a boundary is start giving explanations. Excusing yourself opens up the opportunity for someone to fill that space with “but…” and before you know it, you’re back at square one trying to figure out what to say to this person again.

Your response doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to shut them down.

And if you take anything from this list, let it be this: you do not have to manage someone else’s reaction to you setting a boundary.

Yes, even the dude hitting on you at the bar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I tell a creepy man to leave me alone without escalating?
Do not patronize with your words. Simple statements like “that’s not okay” and “stop talking to me like that.” Follow up by disengaging.

Do I have to give a person a reason I’m uncomfortable?
No. Setting a boundary does not require you to explain yourself. One clear statement is enough. They’re welcome to continue to probe, but you’re not obligated to engage.

What if they don’t listen to me?
Repeat yourself once. Then remove yourself from the situation. If you can’t, seek help immediately.

Is saying “leave me alone” rude?
No. That is a safety boundary, not a polite conversation.

What is the safest response to a creepy person in public?
Stay calm. Speak clearly. Do not let them bait you into an emotional response. Your goal should be distance, not engagement.

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