Ask Amy: I saw a woman being harassed at my local gym and I didn’t know what to do, so I just left

DEAR AMY: I work out most days after work at a local gym.

Yesterday I witnessed a guy completely creeping on another woman (I’m a woman). From what I overheard, he was harassing her.

I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t know what to do. I was so uncomfortable, I finished up and left the gym.

I guess I’m wondering what you think I could have — or should have — done to help her out.

— Disturbed

DEAR DISTURBED: You could (and should) have gone to the front desk to let them know what you were witnessing. Gym personnel should intervene.

Another technique that women can try to slyly help one another out in the moment is what I’d describe as a “faux friend intervention.” You could approach her, make eye contact as if you are friends and say, “Hey, I’m finishing up now. Are you ready to go get coffee?”

(You can email Amy Dickinson at [email protected] or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)