Nobody likes that creepy feeling of being watched, especially by a random stranger on the street. Not only that but when you notice them lurking and staring, they start following you too. Nightmare scenario! This guy, posting on the subreddit TwoXChromosomes under the name Karlosmdq, did exactly that to a young woman on a lonely street in Belfast, UK, and wrote an open letter to explain why.
Written deliberately to draw to the reader in, the letter has people preparing themselves for the worst as he describes his methods, keeping a distance and pretending to talk on his phone. So far, so creepy.
What happens next is a surprising twist that has left many people applauding his actions, as well as quite a few skeptics too.
Could he have done it in a better way? The woman was so freaked out by him, she even took his picture. There is plenty more to this story, but it has gotten people talking about women’s safety when walking alone, and what you can do if you spot potential danger. Karlos told Bored Panda that he was afraid for both of them, and has no idea what he would have done if things had escalated. “What would have I done if they decided to attack her? And what if they decided to attack me after she left?” he said. “As for a method to not scare her, I don’t know, there are very good arguments in the comments about that, but in the end I think that any approach would have resulted in her being understandably scared, of me or them.”
“I would encourage anyone (not just guys) to be aware of their surroundings and that if they see something strange to act upon it immediately, don’t wait to see what happens and don’t be afraid of call for help.”
Scroll down below to check it out for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments.
(h/t: Someecards) (Facebook cover image: Richard)
This story, shared by a guy who followed a woman on the streets, has gotten people talking about women’s safety
Image credits: Sebastian Appelt (not the actual photo)
After getting some skepticism about his version of events, the OP decided to clear up a few issues
Here’s what people had to say about it
well, it's better to look like idiot for 10 minutes than to be assaulted
I wouldn't be surprised if this was real at all, cause I've had moments like this in Dublin where I felt something was happening and it was just as unnerving.
Once I got out of work at 4AM. There was a girl totally drunk, empty pursed no ID no phone no card no money sitting next to the bar. I came and talked to her she seemed like she could understand and reply me perfectly but then she's completely out of her consciousness. I don't know how to call this. But well, I brought her home, took a train and walk to her neighborhood (she doesn't remember her house address, just the neighborhood name and then we had to walk around so she could realize the way home). Ended up in her place around 6AM, her mom was awake and totally panicked. I got off there, without the mom knowing of my existence (I didn't enter the house) and probably the girl she wouldn't remember who I was afterwards. I got home around 7AM, 2 hours later than I planned but the only thing i regret of that night was not to tell her mom that I was the one who brought her home safe and sound. I want them to know that out there, there are still people like us...
Good for you! And for her...she should never have let herself get to that point. There are a lot more bad people out there, than good. She was just very fortunate to have come upon a good one.
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So you want to be congratulated for behaving like any woman would?
No, he wanted to let the Mom and the daughter know that not ALL strangers or men are creepy and dangerous, and that there are still people you can count on. "Restaure their faith in humanity", if you want to call it like that. It's important.
well, it's better to look like idiot for 10 minutes than to be assaulted
I wouldn't be surprised if this was real at all, cause I've had moments like this in Dublin where I felt something was happening and it was just as unnerving.
Once I got out of work at 4AM. There was a girl totally drunk, empty pursed no ID no phone no card no money sitting next to the bar. I came and talked to her she seemed like she could understand and reply me perfectly but then she's completely out of her consciousness. I don't know how to call this. But well, I brought her home, took a train and walk to her neighborhood (she doesn't remember her house address, just the neighborhood name and then we had to walk around so she could realize the way home). Ended up in her place around 6AM, her mom was awake and totally panicked. I got off there, without the mom knowing of my existence (I didn't enter the house) and probably the girl she wouldn't remember who I was afterwards. I got home around 7AM, 2 hours later than I planned but the only thing i regret of that night was not to tell her mom that I was the one who brought her home safe and sound. I want them to know that out there, there are still people like us...
Good for you! And for her...she should never have let herself get to that point. There are a lot more bad people out there, than good. She was just very fortunate to have come upon a good one.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
So you want to be congratulated for behaving like any woman would?
No, he wanted to let the Mom and the daughter know that not ALL strangers or men are creepy and dangerous, and that there are still people you can count on. "Restaure their faith in humanity", if you want to call it like that. It's important.