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I'm somewhat flabbergasted. This is the second time this has happened, and in the same area. (Two different guys.)
I was just walking home when a car drove past me. He parked up ahead, and I assumed he was going to walk into the building next to the space. So I walk past the car to head to my home (a block away). I thought I heard something behind me, but kept walking. Then I see the guy behind me. I had my airpods in, so it scared the hell out of me. He asked how old I was, and all I did was shake my head "no" and speedwalk home.
I didn't see him behind me when I came inside, so he doesn't know where I live at least.
But who thinks that's appropriate??
Last time, it was at night. Guy drove up behind me to (what I assumed) pull into the complex in front; but instead he tilted the car so I was blocked from walking (stopped on the sidewalk area instead of pulling forward into the lot) and GOT OUT from the driver's seat. I ran around the car and into a gas station to hide because wtf.
Is this... a common thing? If I got catcalled, they stayed in the car. What do I do in this situation?
I recommend making an information report to your local police station. They won't do anything about it, and they'll probably dismiss you, but insist. So, if anything happens to another woman, at least there will be something on record.
For one thing, I wouldn't be walking around outside with earpods in. Your hearing is a large part of your safety defenses. That's why you didn't hear the guy walk right up to you from behind you. He could have stuck a gun in your rib cage, put his hand over your mouth and forced you into his car. The author, Gavin De Becker, of the Gift of Fear, says to never walk with your hearing impaired. That said, I'd buy some bright color mace. I have a bright neon pink one that I hook onto my belt loop visibly for all males to see. If you fuck with me, you're getting maced..
Follow your gut, always
I had the same thing happening, he actually got mad when I say no to a free ride to my house.
Happens all the time in the city. I always run from these scrotes as there a high level of danger because they can grab you or have a buddy in the back of the vehicle that you aren't noticing reach out and grab you. They "need directions?" Yeah, I know Google is useless around here. Not helping, though, maybe I'll give a hand wave in the right direction as I'm running away.
Also, be very aware to broadcast with your body language that you are NOT welcoming this interaction and do NOT know these men. Their strength is in playing on our socializing so bypassers think you are friends and no one notices if they abduct you.
Stay vigilant, Queens!
It used to happen to me when I was a young woman. Scared the shit out of me every time. You did the right thing by turning around and running away. That's what I did. What are you supposed to do? Give him the benefit of a doubt that he's not going to throw you in his car and kidnap you? Nah.
If this happens to you and you need to run, remember to turn and run in the opposite direction. The time it takes him to turn the car on a narrow street or to get out and start running (because he can't pursue you in the car) will give you a valuable head start. Changing the side of the road you are walking on and keeping his car or other cars between you also helps.
When you are walking next to parked and driving cars and there is enough room, try to always stay as far away from the car doors as possible to be out of "grabbing distance". And don't come closer or walk up to a window if someone from a car tries to talk to you. They can hear you just fine from where you are standing.
It's sad and horrible but when we are alone out there, we are basically prey and need to think like it to stay safe.
That's fucking terrifying. I cant stand it when I'm out walking and a car slows down as it passes or approaches me. Ive never had someone get out of his car, but sometimes they pass me and then back up to meet me. Sometimes they pass me and then turn around and pass me again. Sometimes they turn around and pass me a third time. Sometimes thats all. I dont get hit on for whatever reason, but sometimes they stop to ask some dumbass question. More often they stop to ask if I'm "ok", like fuck off I'm just taking a walk, I'm clearly not in any kind of trouble, I'm not waving you down shouting for help, I'm not bleeding or passed out, why in gods name do they think they need to stop and ask if I'm ok? Havent you ever heard of a person taking a walk, you freak?
And its a man 90% of the time. I geet very confused when it's a woman. But dude, I *was* ok until some freak drove slowly past me three times before pulling up alongside me to shout some nonsense at me. LEAVE ME ALONE.
Yes, op, this happens. And it's not ok.
shriek "FIRE! FIRE!" as loud as you can and run fast.