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.
Load More Replies...Thanks for doing this. Mu husband and I once saw a really small girl on her own on a street between the blocks. We waited in our car to see if someone was around and felt like a pair of creeps. We saw there was a BBQ with some people nearby and thought maybe she wandered off. Finally the called out for her and we left.
The important thing here is the message. Arguing over whether it's the truth (and I believe it) is pretty pointless, but the message he is trying to spread is potentially life-saving. We all should look out for one another more.
So many folks just live in the most oblivious manner. There's no sense in living in a paranoid manner but its important to remain aware of what is going on around you. If something seems wierd or off putting, then it most likely is. That's you animal brain warning you of danger close.
So true, pay attention and trust your instincts. I once had a guy approach me for help in the parking lot of an auto parts store. He said he needed help getting his window up. I'm a helpful person so my first thought was to assist, but something seemed off. He wanted me to stand by the open door and push the button to put the window up while he stood on the other side of the door and pulled on the window with pliers. Just a quick shove would have put me in his vehicle. I told him to go ask one of the men working in the store and rushed into the store myself. He took off. Trusting my instincts may have caused me to seem rude, but it more likely saved my life.
Load More Replies...It's always good to be aware of your surroundings, especially when being out and about and in traffic. I think he (and other commenters who did a similar things) did the right thing. Sure, he could have approached her but that could've scared her even more and she could've tripped (wearing high heels) and fallen and they could've both become an easier target while he was trying to help her up while she panics and tries to get away from him. In the end it all went well and that's what matters.
I believe it. A few years ago my boyfriend and I went to a little strip mall near our home and in one of the stores, there was a guy that looked really weird (we both got a weird vibe from him). After a while (we stayed longer than we should have) he left, my boyfriend followed and got in our truck while got into his. I paid and left. The guy wasn't leaving though. After a while I went back in the store and told the 16 year old girl to call the police and we weren't leaving to make sure she was safe. Then I noticed the tanning salon.. again a young girl inside... I went in. She had noticed the man and was worried. I told her the cops have been called, my boyfriend is watching the store next door and I'm here for her. When the cops showed up, they searched his truck, found a BB gun that looked like the real thing, he was taken in and his truck towed away. They even went to my boyfriend and asked him what he was doing there (the cop was happy when he told him the story).
Thank you for doing this. You probably saved her life! My friend who lived next door to me was followed home and taken 15 minutes before I got home. I still wonder if I could have helped her if I'd just gotten home sooner. She was kidnapped, tortured, raped, and murdered. Please call the cops if you have any concerns about someone's safety!!!
Real or not, I always get mad at my teenage, goddaughter, for she can be so oblivious of her surroundings!! If someone did this, and perhaps even made her nervous (if she even noticed) I would like to thank them for making sure she stays safe.
I was walking home one night very very late, I was all alone in the streets, but I wasn't afraid, this was my hometown and there was nobody around to creep me out. Arrived this one guy I didn't know and asked me if I was alone and if I wasn't afraid, and offered me to "walk me home in safety". I didn't feel like I needed him, but hey, if he thinks I'm safer this way, why not ? So we walk a little, he tries to chat, and I start to feel uncomfortable, because he presents himself as a knight in shiny armour, but I don't know anything about him or his real intentions. I realize I felt safer when nobody was around at all, so I finally said "Look, I know you're only trying to do good, but I would really prefer walking home on my own" He did'nt like it and made a fuss about my ungratefulness about his good intentions, but he left as asked. I breathed a sigh of relief and made it home safely that night and ever since. I realize I was lucky that night, but I'm also grateful for speaking up...
He should have said something aloud. It would have scared the guys off.
He said they were probably drunk or on drugs, so that might not have worked. People behave unpredictably under alcohol influence or on drugs, they might have even become aggressive if provoked in some way.
Load More Replies...I remember many years ago me and some friends coming back from a new year's party very late at night. we saw this young girl walking back home alone. we slowed our car to check on her for a while but then realized we were probably scaring her because she started looking back at us, so we left
If you think you're being followed ask for help. I've done that. Once I was being cat called by some guy who wouldnt leave me alone. I ducked out into a store, approached another gentleman in the store, told him what was going on and asked him to walk to me back to my car. He was more than happy to help. I've also stood around for a followed young women being leered at by creeps, just to he sure the creep didn't follow them. Safety is a community effort.
I was driving down the Camino Real near San Francisco when I saw a girl thumbing. I stopped and picked her up. She probably didn't go more than 110lbs. She said she was going about 5 miles up. I was going further. She kept one hand on the door handle all the time. I said if she were so nervous about hitching, she ought to take the bus. No comment. I said the main reason I picked her up was I had 3 daughters, one of whom hitched constantly, despite warnings. At least she wouldn't have to worry about me. She didn't look at all reassured.
Being in Law Enforcement for 16 years, I can attest that abductions for the purpose of human trafficking is a reality that most of the public has not really come to understand very well. This could have turned out to be more than just an assault. Good looking out Karlosmdq.
I guess young women just think "It couldn't happen to me". Well it could, so stop with the earphones and staring at your phone while walking somewhere alone. I know it's cool to be totally in to your devices, but it's important to be aware of where you are and what's going on around you. So, be uncool, put the devices away and be aware. It may save your life.
I used to frequent a night club in Washington State. One night, I watched as a girl who had become highly intoxicated was trying to get her friends to give her a ride home. They told her they weren't ready to leave. I heard one of her friends call her by name. Then I watch as a two guys approach her and offer her a ride home. She, in her drunken stupor, says "sure." I quickly approach them and say "Oh..it's ok. (Girl's name) is with our group and we're about to leave. Thanks guys for offering." I shuffled her back to her friends and say "Your friend was about to walk out the door with two creepy looking guys and get in their car. You may want to take her home now before she becomes a statistic." They promptly drove her home.
I think this is really sweet. People are going to be negative and skeptical because of how society's mentality toward any act of kindness is. This guy might potentially have saved this woman's life. There are countless stories in the news everyday of people who don't know that that they've been targeted and followed until it's too late. The only thing even remotely off about this guy's post is his spelling...and that's not even a real issue.
A few years ago I went to see Spiderman at our local small theater. Two girls, about 10 years old, were sitting by themselves. A man in his 30s came to sit behind them, talking with them and laughing with them. He "dropped" his wallet, asked them to help him pick it up, and watched as they crawled on the floor. I moved to sit across the aisle from them, turned sideways in my seat to watch this man. The girls were oblivious to the danger. The man seemed nervous that I was watching him, but never moved. I missed most of the movie, keeping an eye on the girls. When the movie ended, I rushed to leave the theater with them. As soon as we were in the lit lobby, I stopped the girls and said "Hey! I'm a teacher and a mom. Is your mom nearby?!"
It turns out, their mom had been sitting at the back of the theater. She saw the man move close to her daughter and the daughter's friend, but had no idea what his behavior had been. Mom was rattled. We called the police, but the old Theater had a no security cameras. The manager was alerted to the situation.
Load More Replies...When I was in college a couple of decades ago, and international student followed my roommate as she walked home alone. He was worried for her safety. She was creeped out by the guy following her. I told him that the next time he should've just called out to her this he catches up, introduce himself, and offer to keep walking with her.
it warms my heart to know that this man isn't afraid to look like a stalker weirdo in order to protect this woman. God bless you...
This guy is awesome...when I was abt 18 I was at a party w my bfriend and we got into a fight so I decided to walk home. Big mistake. I was in the downtown area which by that time around 1 in the morning there was no one around. A guy in a white van(wtf is up w creepy white vans) starts passing back &forth. He parks it,gets out and starts walking w me. I am just freaking out but I pretend its all good. Try to chat w him like nothings wrong. I realized my friends mom lived a few blocks away & headed there,got to the door and the guy was still with me, I banged on the door and said"Jane some guy is here please let me in". Next thing i know he grabbed me and stuck his tongue in my mouth. Right then she opened the door and he was gone in an instant. Thank god for Jane! I ended up borrowing a bike and riding home. Was scary AF!!!! Ladies do not walk around at night alone. Evil ppl are waiting for you to do just that.
I’m constantly amazed at how many people turn everything into a negative. That must be a hard way to live
It's been shared on Reddit by TwoXChromosomes initially, in case anyone wants to know/see more =)
It’s hard to say what a person’s true intentions are - did he deflect after she took his photo? Were the two men really a threat as he describes? What we do know for sure is he followed a woman for 4 blocks instead of being straight up right away. What is odd? The amazing spider senses he had to detect danger toward this woman within the span of a few minutes or less. The only thing I can say is unless you’ve trained to be super vigilant (police, martial artist, security or know the hood) it’s unlikely you’d be that aware. That’s just my interpretation of a story rife with interpretation! In the end everyone is safe...for now lol.
Why were the police called? Is standing on a sidewalk illegal in belfast?
I think you were very kind. How can someone think that you are just looking for 15 minutes of fame ?
Because the story has been doing the rounds in different guises for years?
Load More Replies...Why would a woman walk alone and not be aware, or use head phones, or when they text they are not aware !!!
So many women are predisposed to find guys guilty - and aren't interested in any other view. It's not surprising there would be doubters here. There's ignorance and foolishness everywhere.
Actually, any other human would've ignored it. Any other human would've walked away. He didn't act human, he was something better.
Load More Replies...yeah, males have never saved anyone before, not once, ever, nope.
Load More Replies...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.
Load More Replies...Thanks for doing this. Mu husband and I once saw a really small girl on her own on a street between the blocks. We waited in our car to see if someone was around and felt like a pair of creeps. We saw there was a BBQ with some people nearby and thought maybe she wandered off. Finally the called out for her and we left.
The important thing here is the message. Arguing over whether it's the truth (and I believe it) is pretty pointless, but the message he is trying to spread is potentially life-saving. We all should look out for one another more.
So many folks just live in the most oblivious manner. There's no sense in living in a paranoid manner but its important to remain aware of what is going on around you. If something seems wierd or off putting, then it most likely is. That's you animal brain warning you of danger close.
So true, pay attention and trust your instincts. I once had a guy approach me for help in the parking lot of an auto parts store. He said he needed help getting his window up. I'm a helpful person so my first thought was to assist, but something seemed off. He wanted me to stand by the open door and push the button to put the window up while he stood on the other side of the door and pulled on the window with pliers. Just a quick shove would have put me in his vehicle. I told him to go ask one of the men working in the store and rushed into the store myself. He took off. Trusting my instincts may have caused me to seem rude, but it more likely saved my life.
Load More Replies...It's always good to be aware of your surroundings, especially when being out and about and in traffic. I think he (and other commenters who did a similar things) did the right thing. Sure, he could have approached her but that could've scared her even more and she could've tripped (wearing high heels) and fallen and they could've both become an easier target while he was trying to help her up while she panics and tries to get away from him. In the end it all went well and that's what matters.
I believe it. A few years ago my boyfriend and I went to a little strip mall near our home and in one of the stores, there was a guy that looked really weird (we both got a weird vibe from him). After a while (we stayed longer than we should have) he left, my boyfriend followed and got in our truck while got into his. I paid and left. The guy wasn't leaving though. After a while I went back in the store and told the 16 year old girl to call the police and we weren't leaving to make sure she was safe. Then I noticed the tanning salon.. again a young girl inside... I went in. She had noticed the man and was worried. I told her the cops have been called, my boyfriend is watching the store next door and I'm here for her. When the cops showed up, they searched his truck, found a BB gun that looked like the real thing, he was taken in and his truck towed away. They even went to my boyfriend and asked him what he was doing there (the cop was happy when he told him the story).
Thank you for doing this. You probably saved her life! My friend who lived next door to me was followed home and taken 15 minutes before I got home. I still wonder if I could have helped her if I'd just gotten home sooner. She was kidnapped, tortured, raped, and murdered. Please call the cops if you have any concerns about someone's safety!!!
Real or not, I always get mad at my teenage, goddaughter, for she can be so oblivious of her surroundings!! If someone did this, and perhaps even made her nervous (if she even noticed) I would like to thank them for making sure she stays safe.
I was walking home one night very very late, I was all alone in the streets, but I wasn't afraid, this was my hometown and there was nobody around to creep me out. Arrived this one guy I didn't know and asked me if I was alone and if I wasn't afraid, and offered me to "walk me home in safety". I didn't feel like I needed him, but hey, if he thinks I'm safer this way, why not ? So we walk a little, he tries to chat, and I start to feel uncomfortable, because he presents himself as a knight in shiny armour, but I don't know anything about him or his real intentions. I realize I felt safer when nobody was around at all, so I finally said "Look, I know you're only trying to do good, but I would really prefer walking home on my own" He did'nt like it and made a fuss about my ungratefulness about his good intentions, but he left as asked. I breathed a sigh of relief and made it home safely that night and ever since. I realize I was lucky that night, but I'm also grateful for speaking up...
He should have said something aloud. It would have scared the guys off.
He said they were probably drunk or on drugs, so that might not have worked. People behave unpredictably under alcohol influence or on drugs, they might have even become aggressive if provoked in some way.
Load More Replies...I remember many years ago me and some friends coming back from a new year's party very late at night. we saw this young girl walking back home alone. we slowed our car to check on her for a while but then realized we were probably scaring her because she started looking back at us, so we left
If you think you're being followed ask for help. I've done that. Once I was being cat called by some guy who wouldnt leave me alone. I ducked out into a store, approached another gentleman in the store, told him what was going on and asked him to walk to me back to my car. He was more than happy to help. I've also stood around for a followed young women being leered at by creeps, just to he sure the creep didn't follow them. Safety is a community effort.
I was driving down the Camino Real near San Francisco when I saw a girl thumbing. I stopped and picked her up. She probably didn't go more than 110lbs. She said she was going about 5 miles up. I was going further. She kept one hand on the door handle all the time. I said if she were so nervous about hitching, she ought to take the bus. No comment. I said the main reason I picked her up was I had 3 daughters, one of whom hitched constantly, despite warnings. At least she wouldn't have to worry about me. She didn't look at all reassured.
Being in Law Enforcement for 16 years, I can attest that abductions for the purpose of human trafficking is a reality that most of the public has not really come to understand very well. This could have turned out to be more than just an assault. Good looking out Karlosmdq.
I guess young women just think "It couldn't happen to me". Well it could, so stop with the earphones and staring at your phone while walking somewhere alone. I know it's cool to be totally in to your devices, but it's important to be aware of where you are and what's going on around you. So, be uncool, put the devices away and be aware. It may save your life.
I used to frequent a night club in Washington State. One night, I watched as a girl who had become highly intoxicated was trying to get her friends to give her a ride home. They told her they weren't ready to leave. I heard one of her friends call her by name. Then I watch as a two guys approach her and offer her a ride home. She, in her drunken stupor, says "sure." I quickly approach them and say "Oh..it's ok. (Girl's name) is with our group and we're about to leave. Thanks guys for offering." I shuffled her back to her friends and say "Your friend was about to walk out the door with two creepy looking guys and get in their car. You may want to take her home now before she becomes a statistic." They promptly drove her home.
I think this is really sweet. People are going to be negative and skeptical because of how society's mentality toward any act of kindness is. This guy might potentially have saved this woman's life. There are countless stories in the news everyday of people who don't know that that they've been targeted and followed until it's too late. The only thing even remotely off about this guy's post is his spelling...and that's not even a real issue.
A few years ago I went to see Spiderman at our local small theater. Two girls, about 10 years old, were sitting by themselves. A man in his 30s came to sit behind them, talking with them and laughing with them. He "dropped" his wallet, asked them to help him pick it up, and watched as they crawled on the floor. I moved to sit across the aisle from them, turned sideways in my seat to watch this man. The girls were oblivious to the danger. The man seemed nervous that I was watching him, but never moved. I missed most of the movie, keeping an eye on the girls. When the movie ended, I rushed to leave the theater with them. As soon as we were in the lit lobby, I stopped the girls and said "Hey! I'm a teacher and a mom. Is your mom nearby?!"
It turns out, their mom had been sitting at the back of the theater. She saw the man move close to her daughter and the daughter's friend, but had no idea what his behavior had been. Mom was rattled. We called the police, but the old Theater had a no security cameras. The manager was alerted to the situation.
Load More Replies...When I was in college a couple of decades ago, and international student followed my roommate as she walked home alone. He was worried for her safety. She was creeped out by the guy following her. I told him that the next time he should've just called out to her this he catches up, introduce himself, and offer to keep walking with her.
it warms my heart to know that this man isn't afraid to look like a stalker weirdo in order to protect this woman. God bless you...
This guy is awesome...when I was abt 18 I was at a party w my bfriend and we got into a fight so I decided to walk home. Big mistake. I was in the downtown area which by that time around 1 in the morning there was no one around. A guy in a white van(wtf is up w creepy white vans) starts passing back &forth. He parks it,gets out and starts walking w me. I am just freaking out but I pretend its all good. Try to chat w him like nothings wrong. I realized my friends mom lived a few blocks away & headed there,got to the door and the guy was still with me, I banged on the door and said"Jane some guy is here please let me in". Next thing i know he grabbed me and stuck his tongue in my mouth. Right then she opened the door and he was gone in an instant. Thank god for Jane! I ended up borrowing a bike and riding home. Was scary AF!!!! Ladies do not walk around at night alone. Evil ppl are waiting for you to do just that.
I’m constantly amazed at how many people turn everything into a negative. That must be a hard way to live
It's been shared on Reddit by TwoXChromosomes initially, in case anyone wants to know/see more =)
It’s hard to say what a person’s true intentions are - did he deflect after she took his photo? Were the two men really a threat as he describes? What we do know for sure is he followed a woman for 4 blocks instead of being straight up right away. What is odd? The amazing spider senses he had to detect danger toward this woman within the span of a few minutes or less. The only thing I can say is unless you’ve trained to be super vigilant (police, martial artist, security or know the hood) it’s unlikely you’d be that aware. That’s just my interpretation of a story rife with interpretation! In the end everyone is safe...for now lol.
Why were the police called? Is standing on a sidewalk illegal in belfast?
I think you were very kind. How can someone think that you are just looking for 15 minutes of fame ?
Because the story has been doing the rounds in different guises for years?
Load More Replies...Why would a woman walk alone and not be aware, or use head phones, or when they text they are not aware !!!
So many women are predisposed to find guys guilty - and aren't interested in any other view. It's not surprising there would be doubters here. There's ignorance and foolishness everywhere.
Actually, any other human would've ignored it. Any other human would've walked away. He didn't act human, he was something better.
Load More Replies...yeah, males have never saved anyone before, not once, ever, nope.
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