Problem with Guy "Friend"

Updated on June 17, 2010
M.A. asks from Detroit, MI
8 answers

I've know this guy for a couple of years and we are just friends, so I thought. Recently that has changed dramatically- he has been "stalking" me. Every time I see him, we were always friendly, "hi how are you, etc, kind of conversations-that was it. In no way am I leading him on! I hardly know him. He owns a landscaping business, and I always see him around, plus we live on the corner and everyone’s can see what goes on at our house-even though we have a privacy fence in the back yard. A couple of weeks ago I was walking my dog down the street (my dog does not like him!) and he was cutting a clients grass and tried to stop me to talk to me. I was in a hurry, but he grabbed my hand and would not let go. He ended up kissing my hand and letting me go because my dog was growling at him (GOOD BOY!) Very strange I thought, but he is from Australia and thought he was being polite. Fast forward to this past weekend. Again I was walking my dog and he was at one of his friend’s house a couple of streets away fixing cars. I think he was drunk and him and his friends (one of his friends tried to “talk” to me a few months back-but he has a girlfriend and a criminal past-no thanks) came running out yelling at me-why am not at home? I said what? He came by to see me? I left a little confused, and then he jumped in his friend’s car and came down the street after me. I would not stop and he was yelling out the window, but I LOVE YOU! OMG WHAT!!! I thought he was goofing around, but no he was serious! I hardly know you? We turned the corner down a one way street and they left. Sunday evening he again came by my house yelling my name in front of the house, where are you?? I was not home, but my son was-he ignored him (my sons, who are 21 and 18, usual chance guys away!) Coming home I saw him in front of my house "waiting" for me. Where were you he said? I did not say anything and told him I had to go, again he said I came down to say Hi. And I said Hi back and was leaving, he said to me bye I LOVE YOU. As I said before we live on the corner, and his friend lives on the corner a couple of street away-so they can see me coming and going and who know whatever else.

Oh my what do I do, what do I say? I have not told my kids a thing as they go into protective son’s mode. If I cannot even go home and am hiding from him? I am not scared (hey I’m from Detroit and can handle my own,) but I am too old (just turned 40-oh joy) to be dealing with this. I have been through this before with the kid’s father, and ended up having to move far away!

What can I do next?

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So What Happened?

I am still avoiding him!!! Hide behind a tree one day...Last week he stopped to ask me "Where have you been." I told him I have two jobs and I do not have alot of time. "I just wanted to talk to you he said." I walked away really fast. Last weekend I could not hide and he drove by and I said nothing to him, did not even wave. He keep on driving down the street (in his tractor no less) and he said ok, and then said I love You M.!!! Hopefully he will take the hint and leave me alone!

More Answers

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M.C.

answers from Detroit on

You have a stalker on your hands. Contact your local police and ask them how they handle this. They can give the best advice. You may have to get a restraining order served on him as well. In the meantime, this guy sounds like a real drugged out nutcase. I would make everyone including your kids, family, friends, neighbors, aware of this dangerous situation. Would you be willing to learn how to use a gun? You should probably look into it. Get a CCW license and carry a weapon with you. The problem with moving is that nowadays with computers, everyone is traceable in some way. You need to nip this in the bud--NOW before you or someone you love gets hurt.

M

3 moms found this helpful
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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Renee? M.? I'm confused.
But anyway, I agree with the PP that rec'd that you ask for the advice of the police of how to handle this. And why NOT let your sons go into defensive mode?
Make sure you are not sending out any mixed signals to this man. Sometimes, when a woman is "quiet" they will assume you are interested..... Am I correct in assuming you do NOT want a relationship?
Tell him that you are NOT interested in him. If he is a stalker, this won't be clear to him--he'll think you need a little more convincing.....you know the drill. If he continues to harass you, you need to file a PFA, etc.

3 moms found this helpful
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L.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

1. Tell your sons and 2. call the police to your home and explain everything. This sounds weird and possibly serious. But tell your sons first thing. They are old enough to help you and need to know what is going on. Also, do you have a home alarm?? Excellent time to get one and unfortunately you should take precautions about locking up doors and windows -- even when you are home. This guy sounds bizarre. Best of luck to you in this crazy situation!!

1 mom found this helpful
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T.V.

answers from San Francisco on

Pay attention to your dog's reaction to others. I would write him a letter, in very simple, plan word English:

Dear, _________,

I have never felt anything other than friendship towards you. Your behavior has become increasingly upsetting, irrational and at times frightening to me. We can no longer be friends. Please respect my decision and do not try to make contact with me or my family again.

Sincerely,

As a precaution I would send a copy of the letter to the local police department. You might even want to go have a talk with them, give them a description of him, his car, license plate number, address etc. This way if you have to dial 911, they will have a good heads up.

Personally, I wouldn’t rush out for a restraining order because sometime people who are off balance take that as the highest insult and things could escalate.

Do not become a prisoner in your own home. Level with your sons on what’s been happening in fact I would suggest you take them with you if you go to the police department. The officer you speak with can reinforce that they should not take matters into their own hands or in any way threaten or antagonize this guy. If he comes around, after you have told him not to…CALL THE COPS.

Blessings…..

1 mom found this helpful

A.S.

answers from Detroit on

Ok. I know how DPD functions. I know officers that have worked for the DPD. I also know how "fast" (sarcastically speaking) a restraining order can take. I know how expensive a home alarm system can be. I know I can't afford that. I personally have had a stalker or two in my time. Anywhere from psychos that slash my tires at the place I was working to "friendly" creepy guys that just don't take the hint.

What I personally would do (other than what I already have in place- I got a conceiled pistol license & a pistol - which I know can be expensive)...

1. TELL YOUR SONS! Let them in on it all. They can help if there were to be a situation.
2. I agree with a previous post- Shotguns are cheap.
3. Keep that dog close.
4. Tell any neighbors that you get along with about everything.
5. Have witnesses when you boldly tell this "manchild" to go away and never return. Use a loud voice. Be stern.
6. Learn where all good pressure points are. If you know anyone that has been a Marine... They can tell you great ways to defend yourself. If you don't, INTERNET.
7. Remember... Keys can be a great weapon. Keep them on one of those long key chains. That way you can hit from far away or stick a couple in between your fingers and hit from close... They will cut. The throat is a great place to hit if it's a close encounter.

Good luck. PM me if you have any questions.

L.G.

answers from Austin on

This guy sounds unstable to say the least. I would definitely tell your sons. Its creeping me out just reading your post.
Unfortunately some people just don't take hints that you are not interested, and it has to be spelled out to them.
Document everything that happens, in case it progresses and you have to call the police. Having all your ducks in a row will let them know that you're serious and you have your evidence.
Please talk to your sons and let them know whats going on.

C.C.

answers from Little Rock on

CREEPY!!! Two words comes to mind. RESTRAINING ORDER!! Talk to your local PD and tell them what's your delema and see what your opitions are. I wouldn't wait for the next time this happens. Do it ASAP. You don't this guy and what he is capable of doing. And Always walk with your dog. Try to aviod his friends house if you can. And I would talk to your sons so they know what have been going on and let them know they can not be your hero's. Or at least tell someone that this is going on (a co-worker,sister,brother ect.) So that they can watch out for you as well. Even thou we know about this we are not near you to help out if you need it. This is a scary thing and the worst thing you can do is stop here. I mean to scare you even more, but just open your eyes alittle more. You know this not right already so stay on your toes, do everything to protect yourself and your family. Please stay in contact with us and let us know what is going on!!
Your will be in my prayers,
C. C.

C.T.

answers from Detroit on

ok M. this is another detroiter talking to you from the heart. If you are from detroit then you know what to do! First off let those sons of yours know what the deal is and what is going on! This man is fooling HARD!!!! Second let your local precint know what is going on, if you can put something in writing and give it to them. write down everthing that has happened and give it to them they may advice you on what you can do to protect yourself. third write down every incident that happens so when you do have to give him the business you have some back up. you know you can have a shotgun in your house with out needing a license. Get buckshots and slug bullets and keep this man out of your face!! And also let other members of your family know so that just in case anything happens they don'e have to say "I don't know what happened she didn't tell me anything"! good luck and inbox me if you need help I cna't be to far away if your in detroit also.

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