I (female) got a front-row seat to what male anxiety is like

I never realized how constantly anxious my husband has to be to be anywhere. I’m a 2nd-grade teacher, so most of my day is spent with women, and I rarely interact with men.<br><br>Yesterday I went to a cute little coffee shop in my area to grade some papers. I sat down and a man came in and asked if he could sit next to me. My first instinct was “hell no,” but he was a very tall, very broad-shouldered man and I’m a tiny woman. I said ok, and he immediately put headphones on and started working on his laptop. He never even looked at me.<br><br>But still. As soon as he sat down, my mind started racing. I felt uneasy and on guard. All these things flashed through my head:<br><br>What if he tries to grab me as I get up?<br><br>What if I leave to go to the bathroom and he grabs my waist?<br><br>What if he tries to steal my purse or laptop when I’m not looking?<br><br>What if I drop something and he touches me when he tries to pick it up?<br><br>I’m a very strong, confident woman. I’m never afraid to go places by myself. But all these thoughts ran through my head. I was so uneasy, I finally got up and left.<br><br>I had never experienced anything like that before, and it was a real eye opener. I will never forget it, and I will never forget what it’s like to be my husband.