Followed*
As a blogger, I usually love when someone “follows” me.
In the real world? Not so much.
On Wednesday I had an experience that unnerved me so much that I felt real fear for the first time in ages. I’m normally a very cautious person. I’m the kind of girl who always checks the back seat whenever I get into my car at night, who locks the door to my home when I’m by myself, and who looks both ways before crossing the street. I love, love, love criminal-ish TV shows and I take a lot of the tips and advice given for women in those shows to heart. (well, the good parts anyway.)
A girl can never be too cautious, you know.
That being said, I think I’m also incredibly naive. I always look for the good in people, and I have this habit of thinking that bad things don’t happen where I live. Unless someone is in a hooded, black sweatshirt with dark sunglasses I’d never assume someone to be a danger to me.
I finished work fairly early on Wednesday afternoon, so I decided run a few errands on my way home. I live close enough to be able to walk to work, as well as to a grocery store, coffee shop and pharmacy. I decided to stop at the pharmacy first (they had some faaaabulous sales) and took my time perusing through the store. It was roughly 1:35pm when I left.
I then made my way over to the grocery store, which was just a stone’s throw across the street from the pharmacy. I’m a total day dreamer, so as I walked I was hopelessly lost in my thoughts–planning out the rest of my week and weekend as well as making a list of what I needed in my head. As I walked through the parking lot toward the store I became aware that a car was trailing behind me. Thinking that maybe it needed to pass by I move aside and continued walking.
For another second the car stayed behind me, then it honked twice and pulled up beside me. Thinking it might be someone I knew, I looked over to see three big guys inside (whom I had never seen before in my life). The one in the passenger seat whistled at me and I half-smiled and nodded without looking back. The car then pulled up closer to where I was and he leaned out:
Guy: “Hey beautiful. We just saw you walking and you looked so beautiful we had to stop.”
Me: *awkward laugh* “Uhh.. thanks!?”
Guy: “You busy? Wanna come hang out for a bit?”
**Sidenote: In hindsight, I probably could have told them off at this point and done something to turn them off completely, but at this point I was only mildly creeped out and didn’t think much of the situation. I’ve been honked at and hit on before, so I handled the situation how I normally do–kindly, but firmly.
Me: “No thanks. I’m just going to buy groceries.”
Guy: “What about after? I’ll wait.”
Me: *slowly becoming more creeped out* “Sorry, I have an appointment at 2. Gotta run.”
(Yes, I fibbed. But I thought it was for the greater good.)
Thankfully I had arrived at the doors to the store and slipped inside before any further conversation could be made. I should add that all of this transpired while one guy hung out the window of his buddy’s “ride”–TLC’s ‘No Scrubs’, anyone? Ha.
Thinking that was all done with (all previous pick up attempts by other guys would have ended by that point) I grabbed the things I needed and began walking toward the front of the store. As I exited one aisle I saw all three of them walking down the length of the store looking in every single aisle without going into any of them. I started feeling a sinking feeling in my stomach, but then I thought to myself, “Well, they were in a grocery store parking lot, maybe they just need groceries too”. I tried to duck into another aisle to hide but was spotted.
I suddenly made myself very interested in reading the backs of cereal boxes.
Guy: “Hey beautiful, we found you!”
Me: “Uhh, yup, you did.”
Guy: *pointing to my pharmacy bag* “Is that where you work?”
Me: “No.”
He then began firing all these personal questions at me, wanting to know my name, how old I was, where I worked, if I lived around there, etc. The worst part was how he looked at me–words cannot express how uncomfortable it felt. I did my best to dodge all of his questions and began walking to the checkout.
Guy: “So, can we hang out after your appointment? Why don’t you let us drive you there?”
Me: “No thanks. It’s in this plaza, and actually I’m married.”
Here’s the kicker.
Guy: “That’s okay, we can hang out anyway.”
Yeaaah. I knew I had to get out of there immediately. I said no again, and quickly made my way to the checkout. As soon as I got into my line I brightly engaged in a conversation with an elderly gentleman in front of me to keep myself occupied and prevent any further communication with the creepers. Thankfully they got into another line that finished before mine did and they left the store.
I breathed a sigh of relief and took my time bagging my groceries just to be sure they had gone.
As I walked toward the doors the sinking feeling I had felt in my gut earlier came back in full force. One of the guys was standing right outside the door watching me, like he had been waiting for me to come out. I gripped my bags and pushed forward.
Guy #2: “Hey beautiful. Find everything you need?”
I half smile and continue walking out.
Guy #2: “Come on, why don’t you let us drive you to your appointment. We can hang out after.”
Me (firmly): “No. I’m fine, I don’t need a ride.”
I begin walking in the direction of my apartment, which is away from the store and the plaza I was in.
Guy #2 (suspiciously): “I thought you said your appointment was in this plaza.”
Me: “It is.”
By this point I was walking as fast as my legs could carry me toward the first destination I saw, a coffee shop, which is roughly halfway between the store and my apartment. I felt like I was being watched the entire time. I took my time inside, bought a muffin and waited a few minutes before exiting through a different door to make sure I wouldn’t be seen.
I felt mildly victorious that I had successfully dodged such an aggressive pick-up as I stood on the street corner waiting to cross the street and enter my cute little apartment. My safe, happy place.
Then I saw the car.
And I saw the expression that said, “Found you!” as the car turned the corner and honked at me before (unknowingly) parking just outside the front door to my apartment.
The sinking feeling turned into full-blown panic. I knew I couldn’t go home as a) I’d have to go right past them, and b) they’d know where I lived, so I crossed the street and began walking in the opposite direction. The closest place I could think to hide was the rental office of my apartment complex so as soon as I was out of their line of sight I began running toward the office. I ducked inside and realized that I was shaking as I watched out the window of the door. I waited a few minutes before moving to the other side of the building to see if I could see them. I went back and forth for about 10 minutes, trying to decide what to do.
I hemmed and hawed over calling the police but eventually talked myself out of it because I thought that maybe I was overreacting. After all, I do watch a lot of criminal-ish shows and besides being overly aggressive and persistent with the pick-up attempt, I hadn’t been hurt in any way and I thought they they could play it off as us just being in the same place at the same time having a “friendly conversation” or something.
See how good I am at talking myself out of things? I realize now that I should have called.
After 10 – 15 minutes of hiding / waiting I decided to make a run for it. There are two ways to get back to my apartment from the rental office–an alleyway and a path that runs through the complex. I decided that the path was probably safer as parts of it are visible from the road and the entire pathway is visible from several apartments. I ducked my head out and looked around, and after being sure I couldn’t see anyone I crept out of the office and walked toward my apartment. When I got within 100 feet of my front door I saw a car that looked like theirs, but it was empty so I ran across the street and bolted inside.
I was still shaking a bit when I made it in, so (after bolting the door) I sat on my futon for a few minutes while I processed what had just happened. I stayed away from my front windows (which face the street) but I soon realized that I needed to distract myself, so I watched 10 – 15 minutes of a TV show to take my mind of things. As more time passed I began to relax, and after 20 minutes of being at home I figured that things were fine now. I turned off the TV and made my way to the kitchen to grab something to eat. As I was walking past my front windows I saw two of the three guys coming off the path that I had taken to get back to my house.
I dropped to the floor to avoid being seen and peered over my window sill as my heart raced through my chest. I looked at the clock and realized that there was a good possibility that they had been looking for me for twenty minutes after watching me disappear in the direction of the rental office. I couldn’t see their license plate from where I was, and I was afraid to stand up to get a better view for fear of being seen. I sat on the floor for a few minutes until I was sure they were gone before creeping back to my futon where I sat until the Hubster got home from work a few minutes later.
I instantly felt at ease when he walked through the door, and as I recounted the events of my afternoon he rushed to the window to see if they were still there and reiterated over and over that I should have called the police.
I know that nothing really happened and that in reality things could have been a lot worse, but I just feel so… violated. I’m supposed to feel safe in my neighbourhood, and most especially in my home… and I just feel like in a moment’s time they took that from me. Just knowing that they parked their car and got out to look for me, twice, is so unsettling. I’m now uneasy going to my grocery store and don’t even feel comfortable walking out my front door. I feel like I am looking over my shoulder all the time in case I see them again.
I just don’t like feeling anxious… and that’s how I feel whenever I go out.
Jerks.
Moral of the story? The next time someone hits on me I’ll just kick them in the shins and run.
Or call the police. You know.
26 Comments
Livstuhh
I know this is an old post, but I had a almost the exact same thing happen to me about 3 weeks ago. So I know how you feel about not calling the police because nothing *actually* happened, but I understand how violated you feel, I can'tbelieve it happened in my town which only houses around 2000 people.
I also can't believe how persistent the men were that followed me home, I told them no and to leave me alone, and that I would not get in their car but they would not listen. And I had to hide in the entrance to a church to try and get away from them (which was also scary as it was pitch black).
But I like your moral of the story, mine is first not to walk alone at night ever again, and maybe learn karate :P
Kristina P
Wow, that is super, super scary.
Have you read The Gift of Fear? It’s really interesting. It talks about how a lot of time, women want to be “nice” and so they ignore their instinct when they are in danger.
Glad you were able to blog about it since that means you made it home!
Sarahbration
That’s terrifying. Even if they didn’t intend to harm you, how could these guys not realize how threatening it is to follow a woman around? I’m so glad you made it home all right.
I found myself in a really crummy situation after being too polite when a guy tried to ask me out from his car. I actually gave him my email address to get him to quit trailing me down the street. He e-stalked me for months until i got rid of my cel phone and address and moved out of the city. Lesson learned.
Alyssa
Oh my gosh… that is just awful… you poor thing.
In that situation i dont think any girl really knows how to cope or what to do. And calling the police could feel like an overreaction at the time.
I’m glad you are okay… keep being cautious!
Becky
Oh my gosh – I had a panic attack just reading that. I’m so glad you’re okay!
Faith
oh dear, that’s awful. Not just because of the initial terrifying experience, but also because of the lasting effects. And poor Hubster too.. I know he’ll worry just as much about you. I’m glad you got away.. and definitely call the police if you’re ever in a situation even close to that again. Even if it turns out to be nothing, it’s better to be safe. They could at least have escorted you home and made sure you weren’t followed, and they would probably have been happy to do it. I’m glad you’re safe!!
Lil' Woman
Omg…that sounds so scary.
I was frightened for you just reading that. What creeps and very persistent ones at that. Please call the cops or stay in a VERY public place until you get help. Who knows what those weirdos would have done.
Bluebelle
That’s so scary! Glad you’re ok. What creeps!
StillNotIram
Wow that’s freaky, I’m glad you’re ok though. I was in a similar situation once although it was just with one guy when I was out shopping and I just didn’t reply back to him. I know how you feel and I hope you’re ok now!
Janet
Wow, that’s really scary! I’m glad you’re safe, and I hope you never see these guys again!
Cat
Maybe I am over-reactionary too, b/c I have a concealed weapons permit and a weapon that I conceal when I am out and about. And I keep a big wooden stick in my car.
I am so glad you are safe. Its pretty terrifying to read even.
Curiousillusion
Oh my word, that is so scary. I’m so glad you’re okay… I would have been way creeped out, but I guess I might have been like you and not called the cops. Though I think maybe you could’ve told someone that they were making you nervous (the apartment complex people, the grocery store people, etc). Just a thought for… well I hope it doesn’t happen again.
Ugh. People suck sometimes.
Sun Girl
wow that’s certainly a very scary thing. i’ve had the same thing happen to me in senior’s city and it’s certainly very unsettling. i hope you never have to go through that again
Classroom Confessions
Oh honey, that is sooo scary! I agree with Hubster, in fact, you may want to still call the police and report what happened. That way if they try it again (crossing my fingers that it doesn’t) you already have a report filed that it’s the 2nd time.
I hope it was just a one time thing! Be safe!
Erin
Ohmygosh! That is so, so scary. I’m glad you are ok, but yikes!
Veggie Carrie
That is scary, it reads like a horror story, especially with their persistence in looking for you. I hope you never see them around again, and they aren’t local. I think that you should contact the police, it isn’t too late. Glad you are ok anyway!
CallitaClan
OHMYGOSH! I would still be freaking out. I surely would have called the police. That is so scary! I am glad everything turned out OK.
Jewels Diva
First and foremost SOMETHING DID REALLY HAPPEN.
THEY STALKED YOU!!!
They know WHAT you look like, WHERE you shop, and WHERE you live.
The first moment your instincts kicked in you should have said ”listen arseholes, I’ve got your number plate and I’ll call the cops if you don’t leave me alone.”
DON’T EVER BE SCARED TO DO OR SAY SOMETHING!!!!!
Sometimes, it’s standing up to them that shows them you’d be too much hard work. Keep telling them to fuck off, or they’ll be dealing with the cops. AND ACTUALLY CALL THE COPS.
Had they decided to grab you it would have been easy for them. They could have done whatever they wanted to you and that was their plan.
They stalked you fom the chemist to the store to your home. They KNOW where you live. and That WILL cause problems in the future.
It doesn’t matter how many criminal shows you watch, LEARN FROM THEM. Keep your eyes open at all times, carry a camera to take pics of them the next time it happens, and make notes of the times and places. The cops will want to know.
Your husband was right, the second time they popped up you should have called the cops, even if it was to find out what to do, at least they could have talked you through it, and they would’ve known where you were and what was going on. Even if there was a cop car in the area they could have done a drive by to make sure you were okay and to warn them off.
DON’T EVER think NOTHING WILL HAPPEN. How many stories do you need to read and hear about before doing something to protect yourself.
And no, I’m not picking on you but I’m very passionate about personal safety and prevention IS better than cure!
Date Girl
Holy crap! I’m so glad you got away. That is really truly scary. I agree with everyone else, you needed to call the police. I’m surprised you weren’t on the phone with Hubster. I would have been calling Match and freaking out if it were me. ACK! But still, in the moment it’s hard to know what you’d do. I’m glad you had the common sense not to go past them to get to your apartment, because then they’d definitely know where you live.
I was in a grocery store and I had a guy follow me. I didn’t realize it at first but he went down every aisle I was in. When I figured it out, I quickly moved to a different aisle, and made sure he wasn’t in my line. Then as I was getting ready to pay, he shows up in my aisle, and stands way closer to me than is socially acceptable. I practically ran out of the store and into my car, and called my mom! I was overreacting because he didn’t even follow me. I think he was just a weirdo, but still. I watched my rearview mirror the entire drive home.
Tulip
wow. that was sooo scary…. I’ve been thinking about it since I read yesterday. I thank God you’re ok. two thoughts:
1-I think that it’s not too late to go to the police – you never know – some other woman might have lodged a complaint, and maybe you can add your info to hers.
2- that’s traumatising and scary….. something did happen.. that was a very aggressive action on their part, not physical per se, but still, that’s a form of abuse.
Thank you for sharing it. Don’t be hard on yourself – there’s no way to know how we’ll respond until we’re in the situation (and hindsight is 20/20).
I pray for your safety, and peace.
(heart) tulip
Maggie
First – call 9-11 {not now, but in the moment}. You can never be too cautious. Second – read the “The Gift of Fear”. Great book. Live by it. Be on guard all the time. Look like you always know where you’re going, and don’t be polite to jerk-faces. Tell them off while you’re dialling 9-11. Always keep a pen & paper with you so you can write down their LP# and descriptions of the creeps.
Julie
Oh My! (i know that sounds dorky). Totally agree with everyone. Call the police–they can escort you to your house. Be care…
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Elise
Luckily you are moving to our neighbourhood where I have yet to be followed by creepers!
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