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Did I go overboard? too paranoid?
Last night I went to St. David's South to visit a friend that is being induced today. A co-worker and I left around 7:30 or 8 (was getting a little dark). We were walking to her car and the parking lot was not lit very well. There was a young guy (early 20's maybe?) walking, what I consider, closely behind us- maybe 5 feet or so? I started freaking out in my head and kept glancing at him....I honestly felt that I was going to get attacked. Our car was parked on the back row of the parking lot. Finally when we were getting close to the car he said, "Don't worry- I'm just going to my car." I said something to the affect of "Sorry about that but you can't really blame us can you?"....
Did I get myself too worked up?
I had something happen in the past that I think contributes to situations like this and gets me paranoid. I felt bad about thinking that of this innocent guy but I couldn't help it and didn't really know how to handle the situation differently.
Re: Did I go overboard? too paranoid?
Sounds like you handled it well! Always trust your gut if you feel something is unsafe. If he was just an innocent guy, he should understand (and if he's offended then that's too bad for him.) If he really was a creep, you just made him reconsider because you kept glancing at him and let him know you were on to him.
Seriously, when it comes to safety, I wouldn't worry about possibly offending him. You did the right thing.
I'd have done the same thing. A lot better to trust your gut and be cautious.
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I think you were fine!
at least he acknowledged you were uncomfortable and tried to make you at ease.
Exactly. It's better to offend the innocent than become a victim. And I don't mean that sarcastically at all. I'm dead serious.
However, in the future, it's better to change course, even if it means turning right around toward them, looking them in the face. Attackers don't want a confrontation where they don't feel in control. Don't keep walking to where they can see what car you're driving and possibly force you into it at gun/knifepoint and or follow you home etc.
You didn't overreact at all.
It was nice of him to acknoledge you, but he really shouldn't have been that close. Most men would know that would make women (who are alone in a dark parking lot) uncomfortable. However, he was young and probably didn't think of it until he noticed you. In fact, you probably taught him a nifty little lesson for the future!
And I agree with PP ... I'd have probably turned around and gone back inside the hospital, no matter how far into the parking lot I had already walked. Sure it might be uncomfortable or weird for you, but better weird than kidnapped!
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Not too paranoid IMO. We have those gut reactions for a reason. I am constantly paranoid walking my dog and it may be extreme, but I am originally from San Antonio and I feel like it is just second nature to me to be on guard.
Who knows? Maybe he would have done something if it had been just you...you just can't be too cautious. I think you handled it perfectly. Always be aware of your surroundings and let others know you are aware of your surroundings. It's better to be a bit paranoid than sorry.