A theme in my life, and a lot of other girls’ lives, that I have come into contact with lately is that of the “creepy guy.”

It has become an epidemic in today’s society. Now, guys might read this and come back defensively with the “We’re just trying to be nice” argument. However, this is not one hundred percent accurate.

Some guys go past a very sweet and courteous demeanor and delve into more aggressive tactics. This is when being a “nice guy” goes too far. And, just to be clear, this applies to females as well.

Pace University is neither a tiny nor big school; we fall somewhere in the middle. However, after you’ve been here for some amount of time, it can begin to feel small enough that you always run into those people that you don’t want to talk to or see.

We all eat at Kessel during the day; commuters, Briarcliff residents, everyone. We all need to use the library for one purpose or another. A lot of students use the gym, go to events, and even attend the townhouse festivities on the weekends. You will run into people you don’t necessarily wish to see. This makes the issue of the creepy guy that much more prevalent.

I believe that a big part of the problem when guys or girls don’t realize they’re being creepy is that they don’t recognize the signs.

Here’s a tip, guys and girls: If the other person is trying to put in both of their headphones, or they keep reaching to put their Beats up while you are talking, they are donewith having anything to do with you. Whether that means they don’t like you, or they just don’t want to talk right now, leave it be.

Another tip: don’t force it if it’s not there.

While sometimes it can seem like you’ve hit it off with a complete stranger, keep in mind that they could just be talking to you because they’re being friendly. It could also mean they know you’ll just keep blabbing and invading their personal space if they don’t remain responsive.

News flash: Awkward does not mean creepy. Awkward probably means you’re nervous and that can be cute. It’s cool when you come up to us with the first move and overcome your insecurities. However, don’t get obnoxious and don’t be weirdly forceful.

More helpful hints: the millisecond someone stops agreeing and laughing with you is not the time to be more pressing about wanting to hang out or see each other again.

There’s a key word here that lets you know you’re in the red. Look out for it. Ready? It’s “no.”

“No” can mean pleading to end physical contact, and definitely obey that rule. In addition, “no” can fall under the meaning of “Dude, stop. You are freaking me out.”

“Just because,” is a wonderful rule of thumb here. Just because someone does the double take at you in Miller, doesn’t mean they want you. They could have thought you were their friend. Just because someone has the same food order as you, doesn’t mean they’re your soul mate. You do not live in a Jennifer Lopez romantic-comedy. A lot of people like underground rap, Michael Cera, and indie movies. Don’t mistake coincidence for fate and you should be in the clear. You will avoid the “creepy” stigma.