Did I do the right thing?

[Twinstudy]

I just took the dog out for his last walk, just round the block well lit etc

Just as we were coming home a small dog ran over to us, there was a man with it who picked it up and apologised for it barking. He then went on to tell me was lost. He seemed quite confused, drunk maybe mh issues I'm not sure but he told me he was looking for his aunties house in x town, which is the next town on from where we are. When I told him he was in the wrong town he was quite upset and was asking me how to get there. I told him (about a 45 minute walk but v straight forward directions), he still seemed very confused but wandered off in the direction I'd sent him.

Thing is I feel a bit bad, if he'd been a woman I probably would have helped him more but I was really quite wary of him knowing where I live more than anything. Now I'm thinking I could have helped him out, for the little dog if nothing else that he had off lead running around in the road.

Sorry this is v long but just wondering what others would do

Sorry should probably add that DH is away so I'm home alone.

You did the right thing. This is the sort of scenario that would happen with me and I would probably question if I did the right thing and would feel bad etc. but you did the right thing. I'd rather be safe. You already felt a little wary. Trust your gut.

Yes, I think you did the right thing. If you're worried about his safety you could ring it into the police and they might ask a patrol to keep an eye open for the man.

You could always phone 101 and speak to the police about it and they would look out for,him and see if he was ok

I'd probably get in my car and look for him to double check he's okay. But I'm an arsehole who gets way too invested sometimes.

I'd probably feel like you OP, if someone seems like they need help then it feels bad walking away.

But realistically what else could you have done. It's not safe to take an agitated man with unknown issues into your car / home. Maybe there was a third way but it's not immediately obvious.

If anyone should feel bad though it's all the asshole men that, through their collective shit treatment of women, have made women wary of all men

I would do the same and then probably get home and feel guilty.. that's just your compassion but in the grand scheme of things as a woman you did the right thing

That's it really, I don't know what realistically i could have done, called him a cab maybe but then I'd have had to have stood and waited with him in the dark or had him wait outside mine knowing then where I live. It just sucks to feel I can't help someone because I'm wary of men.

As yourself if he was likely to ask a man for help and what a bloke would have done. (Potentially told him to piss off) You we’re kinder in the long run, even though you were no doubt frightened.

You did the right thing, your own safety comes first in this sort of situation, and tbh what he told you sounds a bit off to me.

I think I'd have phoned the police maybe not 999 but 101 in case someone was around the area - bit dangerous him walking on main roads.