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3 Strange encounters this week with older men

3 replies

Dunnow · 10/12/2025 16:50

Had 3 odd things happen this week, all involving older men, I would say 70+.
The first I was with DD2 and was approached by a man in a shop trying to tell me what I should buy for DDs doll she was carrying. I thought it was a bit strange but put it down to him just being lonely.
Second, with DD1, a man asks DD if we’re sisters as we’re nearly the same height and then proceeds to touch my shoulder, trying to show her how tall she is compared to me.
Third, walking down the street, the path is wide enough for several people to pass each other. A man ahead stops and stands in someone’s driveway, staring at me. I was wondering what he was doing and sort of gave him a half smile going past and then he shouts ’Thank you, you’re welcome’ as I keep walking. Honestly, I had no idea he was stopping to let me go past as it really wasn’t necessary.
Normally I wouldn’t give these things a second thought but they’ve all happened within a few days with similar aged men. Do these things happen to anyone else? Maybe I just need to look more unapproachable. Funnily enough it never happens when I’m with DH, just on my own or with the kids.

OP posts:
Eudaimonia11 · 10/12/2025 16:55

Oh I’ve had that a few times with older men standing to the side on a wide path and then expecting me to thank them even though there was more than enough space for a football team to pass.

And I’ve had similar encounters to the others you describe when out with children.

Like you say, none of this ever happens when I’m accompanied by a man.

EverardDeTroyes · 10/12/2025 16:55

The unnecessary standing back to let you pass, do you think that is someone worried about contracting the current flu virus? Only, I got that behaviour and passive aggressive responses during Covid when I failed to acknowledge people going to ludicrous extremes to give me the widest berth possible.

As for the other encounters, I don't know, sound a bit random.

Dunnow · 10/12/2025 17:00

EverardDeTroyes · 10/12/2025 16:55

The unnecessary standing back to let you pass, do you think that is someone worried about contracting the current flu virus? Only, I got that behaviour and passive aggressive responses during Covid when I failed to acknowledge people going to ludicrous extremes to give me the widest berth possible.

As for the other encounters, I don't know, sound a bit random.

Could be that, it was just all a bit strange. I suspect some people never really got over all the fear of covid.

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