I don’t even know where to begin. I’m a 23-year-old working woman, and I take the same route to my office every day — not a fancy job, not a fancy place, just normal life.
For the past couple of weeks, there’s this one guy I pass by almost every day. He doesn’t say anything out loud (yet), but the way he stares — it’s like I’m being watched through and through. It’s not like regular people-watching. It feels invasive. Like I’m being stripped mentally.
I’ve changed my route once or twice, but eventually I have to go that way. And it just feels so frustrating that I’m the one who has to adjust. I don’t want to overreact or make drama where there’s none, but my gut tells me something is off. Like he’s waiting.
Today he smirked when I passed by. Not a polite smile — a smirk. That’s when it really hit me. I don’t even feel safe on a damn weekday morning on a public road.
I don’t know what to do. I feel angry. And weirdly, guilty — like I’m overthinking. But I know I’m not.
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Get in his face if it’s public and other people around. Do weird things in front of him. Pick your nose. Spit on the sidewalk. Fart loudly. Make him think you are gross and he will go away.
If it doesn’t feel right to you, then it’s probably not right. Avoid as best you can.
you’re not overthinking
your gut’s screaming for a reason—listen to it
the stare, the smirk, the vibe shift? not random
he’s testing your reaction
and the fact that you feel like the one making adjustments? classic predator dynamic
start documenting now
time, place, description, even subtle stuff
get a discreet photo if you can without risking anything
tell someone—coworker, friend, even HR if it connects to work
and look into legal self-defense options, even if it’s just pepper spray or a personal alarm
you don’t owe politeness to someone making you feel unsafe
trust yourself, protect yourself, and don’t wait for “something worse” to happen to take it seriously
Fuck politeness first of all. Second of all stay safe. Balancing those is tough. You could ask him for some money every time you see him, or have someone go ask him what his deal is?