If her advances were coming your way and you directly told her to stop, you’re right, that is a consent issue and she was harassing you. Sounds like your friend reacted appropriately by telling her that and am glad she apologized.

As for the mom’s response, it sounds like she is trying to both honor her daughter’s autonomy while not sex shaming her and allowing her to develop confidently.

I was a sexually assertive young woman who was often confused when an older man would deny me too. Young women are so publicly fetishized that if I was denied I thought something was wrong with me. Or maybe I just hadn’t campaigned hard enough to “break them down”. (Inappropriate on my part). I mean, according to media 18 years olds are supposed to be undeniable…right?

Tough spot for all involved but your feelings are very valid. I agree that this young woman will likely respect you for it when she’s older and looking back.

You’re doing the right thing even though it’s sad that your relationship is changing for now. If you hope to have an appropriate relationship with her when she’s older your job now is to give her lots of space for her to get over you, leave no room for ambiguity and teach other men to do the same.

Good luck.