A man asked me why I crossed the road

[berriesinthesummer]

I was on a walk minding my own business. A man was walking towards me and taking up most of the pavement, so I crossed over to the other side - I would usually cross this road at some point anyway as part of my usual route.

The man then called across the road to ask why I had crossed and ‘am I that scary?’ I just looked around puzzled and said ‘no?’

AIBU to feel a bit unnerved about this? I didn’t cross because he was a man, I would have done if it was anyone taking up most of the pavement as there were parked cars everywhere so it’s a bit awkward to cross people. As I had to cross at some point, I may as well have done it at that point. I find walking close to people generally very irritating whoever they are.

So he thinks there’s nothing wrong with him while questioning a woman about why she crossed the road.

I understand completely that you think that.

My point is that continuing to point it out simply makes you part of the 'cheer up, love' brigade.

Phone out, filming "well now you are, right?"

Eugh, I hate these types of men. My 13 year old son knows to cross the road so girls and women don’t feel scared.

You can cross a road when you want ...I wouldn't even answer or look round at someone saying that.
Or you could've said you're taking up half the road mate and ill cross over when I want .

I would have felt tempted to reply 'Don't flatter yourself'. I am so sick of over-entitled men.

Agree. Headphones are your friend. Just look blank.

Until I came on MN I had no idea just how many people are "unnerved" by the most trivial things. How they cope with life I don't know. This could happen to me every week and it wouldn't bother me in the slightest.

I absolutely agree. Context is everything.

In the OP's post, the context is two people who were complete strangers. In your example, the two people were next door neighbours. Very different context.

In the OP's post, the person calling out was questioning her actions. In your example, you were calling out a common greeting. Very different context.

In the OP's post, the person calling out then raised the issue of being scary. In your example, the person calling out didn't. Very different context.

Your example got the context completely wrong. In the OP's context, it is not unreasonable to think that calling out across the street is synonymous with shouting.

Could you explain the joke please?

I came onto this thread expecting a joke.

Why did the Mumsnetter cross the road?

I would not have looked at him or replied in any form.

This