You know when you're walking somewhere at night, and I'm walking behind you, and you start feeling uncomfortable and looking over your shoulder?

[Anonymous]

Is there a "Hey, I just happen to be over here going the same direction as you, I swear it's weird for me too" signal I can give without seeming like a rapist trying to not seem like a rapist?

[Rosexøxø]

I just wait and let them get far away and out of view lol and then I walk until I can merge to my own path.

I hate it when some lady seems annoyed or some guy- I don’t even remember who they were but they looked back at me all frightened and I was just like- I’m a girl… and I hate you and want nothing to do with you, and I’m trying to go my way and you’re IN my way lol

Sometimes if I could I’d speed up and get in front of them and show them who’s boss lol- IM GOING MY WAY- so DONT follow me. 😁😌

[Rosexøxø]

Can look casual just be on your phone or so. Eat something while walking or so. Make a fake phone call or real one. Don’t just walk because the silence leaves room for assumptions and no one can read 100% another’s intentions or thoughts.

Multitask.

Fumble with stuff in a bag 💼 like a brief case or laptop bag; not a duffle bag or something lol nothing suspicious or unprofessional.

Maybe shift through a wallet. Snack on something. Just look occupied mentally and show them you’re just a human.

Eating food can be 50/50.

[Asker]

"Not a duffle bag or something" good call 😂

Thanks for the suggestions!

[Rosexøxø]

Your best bet is not walking behind someone at night though. That’s the only message that says you’re not a threat.

You can’t get them to turn off their defense mechanisms. They’re allowed to. So if you’re as uncomfortable as they are you both just kind of have to deal with that unfortunately until you both can go on about your own ways.

Like these options can help any tensions, but if it were me, I’d always be alert/aware, and always carrying. Can’t leave room for mistake and chance. Have to be intentional. I think even if their actions/behavior doesn’t seem social or civil/polite, it’s okay because they have the right to do that as do you in any threatening or seemingly situation.

When I first started driving I would hate the hesitancy some drivers would have or taking extra space away from my vehicle. I’d be super cautious, but soon I realized they have that right to do so because it’s simply in their nature as being defensive drivers and having extra space leaves no room for error.

When I take my precautions driving I don’t feel guilty about it either. Safety of everyone is just super important. Safety measures are always acceptable by anyone.

It’s not against you it’s just the situation that triggers this. If you wouldn’t want to be in such a situation, attempting to avoid it could be best for you.

Best to you! Lol

[Rosexøxø]

Welcome!!

[Asker]

I've only found myself in this situation a few times and as uncomfortable as it was, I don't take it personally. I'm sure it was more uncomfortable for them.

[Rosexøxø]

Depends!

I just hate seeming like an antagonist.

One is frightening, one is annoying, and sometimes one of them is super… hmm like devastating? lol I’m not sure. I’ve gotten offended too when people looked at me like I was following them. I’d just think “I am suchh a nice. Person. How could you possibly think that ME- I- would be trying to take anything from YOU.”

I hope you don’t have to endure that many more times lol it’s just a pesky situation to be in.

[Agape93]

Don't run up on me, and don't follow me if I go somewhere else

[Rosexøxø]

Valid! 💯

[Agape93]

It's a damn fast way to get me to shoot you.

[Asker]

I wasn't planning on running up on anyone. Lol