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Original poster

Odd incident with man in supermarket

50 replies

couchparsnip · 23/12/2018 20:55

I was in a supermarket earlier and it was very busy and this incident keeps playing on my mind. I am probably overreacting but just need some perspective if that's ok.

A man and his trolley were standing in an aisle I needed to go down. A lot of people were coming the other way so I waited in front of him and then went round when there was a gap. He then said something like 'you made it past eventually then' so I nodded and went to move on. He then said something else I couldn't hear so I moved closer and said pardon. He then told a story about someone pushing past him and how he grabbed them and punched them. At that point, before I could move away, he pulled me towards him by coat and mimed punching me, he actually touched my face with his fist and made my head go back.
I was shocked and upset, I told him loudly not to touch me, walked away and told security. They talked to him but did nothing else.

I've been going over it in my mind ever since. I realise I shouldn't have moved closer but he seemed harmless, he was probably about 60 years old, with white hair so I guess I thought he wasn't a threat at the time. I told DH when I got home and he hugged me and agreed it was weird but didnt' seem to understand why I was upset.

I am probably overreacting.. can anyone help me calm down and not let a stupid man ruin my evening.

OP posts:

AppleKatie · 23/12/2018 20:57

He is odd. That’s on him. You didn’t do anything wrong.

The good news is he is also a stranger who doesn’t know you or where you live.

So deep breath, sit down and enjoy your evening x

IWannaSeeHowItEnds · 23/12/2018 20:59

Some people are batshit crazy and Christmas is a pressure cooker. You were just unfortunate in stumbling across a bit of a loon. Could happen to anyone. Try not to fret

Grace212 · 23/12/2018 21:00

I can understand why you are upset

what did the staff say?

CottonTailRabbit · 23/12/2018 21:02

You are not overreacting. He was a loon. He could have actually punched you and you know it. It was a close shave. Of course you are upset. Let yourself be upset.

TruckLoadOfSubtleGlitter · 23/12/2018 21:03

He physically threatened you.

I'd report that.

PositivelyPERF · 23/12/2018 21:08

Report that to the police. Lazy fucking security guards just didn’t want the hassle, this time of the year. He put his hands on you and that’s assault. Imagine if he does that on someone vulnerable.

Original poster

couchparsnip · 23/12/2018 21:14

I reported him to security at the time. I can't report him to anyone else as I have no idea who he is.

Yes he was a loon. He made me forget the bloody candy canes for the kids stockings too. They'll have to cope without them

OP posts:

TheLittlestLightOnTheTree · 23/12/2018 21:16

what else could a security guard do?? they didn't see what happened so have 2 versions of events....they aren't the police

TruckLoadOfSubtleGlitter · 23/12/2018 21:18

No, report him go the police. He threatened you with violence.

Sparklingbrook · 23/12/2018 21:19

Supermarkets have CCTV...

speakingtruthfully · 23/12/2018 21:20

Poor you that's awful , Report it to police , it was assault and should be on the stores cctv , security were awful , having said this in reality I would want t go home tell DP about it and have a hug , hot chocolate and go to bed to try & forget it

limpbizkit · 23/12/2018 21:21

Could he be in the early stages of dementia? It certainly can alter behaviour and social appropriateness...

Cheguevarahamster · 23/12/2018 21:23

That's awful. I can understand why you were upset. I would report it to the police.

Wordthe · 23/12/2018 21:23

That's not odd it's absolutely outrageous
he wouldn't do that to a man would be

Stardustinmyeyes · 23/12/2018 21:24

When I saw that he was about 60, I was waiting for the dementia comment 😂😂

Ohyesiam · 23/12/2018 21:26

You did nothing wrong op. That’s a real violation of boundaries though, and I can see why it upset you

Beatitudes · 23/12/2018 21:27

Rather than dementia I'd assume drunk.
That's sounds very frightening OP, no advice but hope you're ok.

PerfectPeony · 23/12/2018 21:27

You’re right to be upset! I’d absolutely hate that. How creepy that he touched your face.

We did our food shop today and witnessed quite a few arguments. Christmas makes people especially crazy in supermarkets.

You did the right thing reporting him. Try to forget about it and enjoy getting ready for Christmas.

RedLife · 23/12/2018 21:27

When I saw that he was about 60, I was waiting for the dementia comment 😂😂

Ffs I know what you mean! Every bleedin thread with an old man or even middle aged and posters pop up with it.

Rayne22 · 23/12/2018 21:28

Your not overreacting, that is a really weird thing to do. I would be shaken up by it.

Try not to dwell on it though, pop a cheesy Christmas movie on and enjoy the next few days hugs

Thequaffle · 23/12/2018 21:29

That was threatening behaviour - he has no right to touch your coat or your face. What a weirdo! Hope you’re ok op, I would be shaken too.

BottleOfJameson · 23/12/2018 21:30

It's a very odd thing to do and I'd feel unsettled by it to. Who knows what's going on with him, dementia? Other mental health issue? Just a very strange man? Developmental issue? It's definitely not normal though.

Wordthe · 23/12/2018 21:30

Your husband is being a dick about this
That wasn't just weird it was sinister threatening and intimidating
if someone did that to me I would be absolutely furious and I would want to punch him in the face

( Obviously I wouldn't because that would be a stupid dick thing to do )

Hassled · 23/12/2018 21:35

It's the what-ifs that have freaked you out - and the realisation that while you know there are unwell/disturbed people out there, you don't expect to be dealing with someone who is probably quite unwell in a supermarket. It's no wonder you're in a tizz now - I would be as well.

Wordthe · 23/12/2018 21:38

I think report it to the police, there may have been other incidents and if you report it and give a description you will help them to build up a picture if he is involved in anything

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