A 22-year-old woman shared a disturbing experience on Reddit about unsettling messages she received from her holiday home host during a girls’ trip. The host, estimated to be in his mid-30s, sent inappropriate and creepy texts that left her feeling unsafe, prompting her to leave the rental for a hotel. Thousands online labeled the host’s behavior as “sinister” and “wholly inappropriate,” supporting her decision to prioritize her safety.

Unsettling Messages from the Host

The woman, vacationing with three friends, explained that the host initiated contact with seemingly harmless compliments. He texted, “At the risk of sounding ‘creepy’… you are devastatingly attractive. May I know your age?” After she revealed she was 22, he continued, praising her “stunning eyes” and suggesting she must live a healthy lifestyle due to the “spark” in her eyes.

Attempting to deflect, she mentioned her boyfriend, but the host persisted. He asked about her ethnicity, commenting that England didn’t produce such “exotic beauties.” When she shared her mixed background, his messages took a darker turn. He wrote, “It explains your pretty, delicate face contrasted with your womanly body… heavy assets and small waist… You’d make an excellent shibari bunny.”

Unfamiliar with the term, she researched “shibari bunny” and was horrified to learn it referred to a Japanese bondage practice. “My jaw dropped,” she wrote. “I felt shivers down my spine and immediately searched for a hotel to stay at for the rest of our trip.”

Friends’ Reactions and Her Decision

Despite her discomfort, her friends dismissed the messages as harmless, accusing her of “ruining the vibe” by wanting to leave. Ignoring their protests, she booked a hotel 15 minutes away to complete the trip safely. When she confided in her father, he was furious about the host’s behavior.

Online Support and Advice

Reddit users overwhelmingly supported her decision to leave. One commenter urged, “Protect yourself,” criticizing her friends for downplaying the situation and encouraging her to report the host to the rental platform. Another user, equally shocked after researching “shibari bunny,” questioned why her friends would defend a stranger making such inappropriate remarks.

Commenters noted that even after she mentioned her boyfriend—a universal signal to stop inappropriate advances—the host escalated his comments. “I’d report this once you are well away,” one advised. Another described the host’s behavior as “alarmingly sinister,” reinforcing that her gut instinct likely kept her safe.

Was She Right to Leave?

The woman questioned whether she overreacted by fleeing the property, but the online response was clear: her safety came first. The host’s persistent, inappropriate messages, especially referencing bondage, crossed a line. This incident highlights the importance of trusting one’s instincts in uncomfortable situations and reporting inappropriate behavior to protect others.

If you’re traveling and encounter similar behavior, experts recommend documenting evidence, reporting to the platform, and prioritizing your safety by relocating if needed. Always trust your gut when something feels off.