That's really interesting about the "not misunderstanding" thing. I think the OP is absolutely right, of course, and yet there does seem to be a disconnect for some dudes when they're told "No" by a woman. I've actually had men look at me with complete bafflement, as if I'm speaking a foreign language, when I tell them "Get away from me" or "Step away from my car or I'm calling the cops" or "Get out of my face, I'm not interested in your petition." [EDIT: Bear in mind I totally don't do this stuff until they have crossed any appropriate boundaries so badly that I've got no choice but to raise hell. I don't just shout at random dudes. ;)] The look they have is almost like a part of their world is literally crumbling, they're so shocked and confused.

Hmm. Then again, that's less "misunderstanding the message" and more "ego-shattering damage to established worldview," so...yeah. Never mind. :)