Little M posted about being followed by a guy in a pickup truck when she was out on a walk. This really irritated me because no one should feel scared and threatened when they are minding their own business.
A few months ago I was walking over to the golf course to hit some balls. I'm waiting to cross the street at a light and a truck pulls up. The guy yells out, "Hey, are you going golfing?" Because I was raised to be nice even when I don't want to be, I said, "Yep" instead of "Nope, just taking my clubs for a walk" like I wanted to say.
I'm laughing about it and shaking my head thinking nothing of it, other than the guy was an idiot. The light changed, I crossed and made my way up to the pathway along the canal to get to the golf course.
On the other side of the canal is the YMCA, where this guy had pulled in. When I saw him climbing up his side of the canal I thought, "Fuck. Why can't he leave me alone." I walked faster but knew I was safe unless he tried to meet me at the bridge farther down where the course is. He proceeded to ask me about my golf game and that he was going to offer me a ride. I said, "Um, I'm already here" and walked even more quickly away.
I was nervous about him showing up at the range, but he didn't. Thankfully he got the message, which not all men do. That's when it gets really creepy and unsettling.
I'm still spooked about the stalker guys (as described in IG land a few months ago) in my building and rarely venture out of our office until my bladder is ready to give. When I do need to use the elevator, I'm pushing the 'door close' button like I'm in some horror movie. Gah. I'm mad at them for making me feel this way. I haven't seen either of them for a while, especially since my co-workers went in to Creepy Guy 1's place of work and told him to cut it out. His manager also followed up (she came up to hear it from us) and since they both work at the same place, I can only hope Creepy Guy 2 heard the dirt about the mean blonde chick on the second floor.
I don't mind getting a reputation for someone who is not approachable if it means peace of mind, although I'm a look-you-in-the-eye and smile type. It bothers me that when I'm in the lobby area and hear men's voices I pick up my pace to get somewhere safe. I hate being afraid to look up from the floor and give people a cheerful "Good morning!" because I don't want someone thinking I'm flirting with him. I'm humiliated to ask my co-workers to walk me to my car or have them stand up for me, even though I would do it for them.
It just sucks.
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Posted by amyhftw 
It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time 
