Column Babette: Bring on those flirting, whistling construction workers | Lifestyle

It was such a whistle from the past. Like his comment: ‘Good morning whopper’† I looked up, looked for the construction worker.

When he also gave me a big wink from the jetty, I shouted (with the same wink) that this is really no longer possible in these times. The construction worker replied laconically: “Ah, honey, what nonsense.”

He is right. The fact that I hardly ever get whistled has everything to do with my year of construction.

But also: the whistling construction worker is a dying phenomenon. Because politically incorrect and, if it is up to municipalities, even prohibited. So most think twice before opening their mouths.

Unfortunately. I actually wanted to tell the construction worker that he made my day. But like he’s not allowed to whistle anymore, I feel like I can’t say that anymore. I don’t have to do a big house, garden and kitchen survey to know that many women feel the same way.

Or have we passed? In any case, he stopped, for fear of the reaction. Sure, the reset is desperately needed. I don’t know a woman who never gets harassed.

But at the same time, it can’t be the intention that we also flush all the sjeu down the sink drain, right? As a man you are a daredevil if you still dare to compliment a colleague on her nice sweater.

In addition, a friend told me that her day started well when she cycled through the park to work and a man shouted behind her: Hey, where do those nice buttocks go† She laughed so hard, thought it was a funny compliment. But didn’t think to tell that later at work.

More than ten years ago, research by our magazine VROUW showed that a large majority of the women surveyed liked the attention of construction workers.

I think it’s time for new research. And already know the outcome: bring on those flirting, whistling construction workers.

Follow Babette on Instagram: babettewieringa

Mail: [email protected]

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