How to deal with “over friendly” shop owner

[LAC350]

Here’s the thing…..I attend this shoe repair shop quite regularly - there aren’t any other shoe repair shops in my town. The thing is that the man who owns and works there has started to make me feel uncomfortable. Initially, quirky and nice, a bit of banter. But now, always very complimentary - too complimentary in fact, becoming increasingly over familiar, flirty and suggestive. Now, since having accepted a friend request on fb from him, he’s also sent me over friendly pms. The first pm, I replied with a hello and laughing emojis, and when he immediately replied to it, I left his reply unread and have also restricted the “friendship” on fb and messenger, so we don’t need to interact and he won’t be able to see any of my posts or comment on them.

AIBU - to feel uncomfortable with his manner?

AINBU - to have restricted fb and I have also now asked my husband to accompany me when I need to attend his shop?

Bring in a man’s shoe size 13 with some fake blood smeared on them, ask for a price to polish, mention your partner is a trained assassin who has the ability to kill with his own hands, it’s his preferred method of execution.

Since you're in there so often, he probably thinks you fancy him 😉 😜

Delete him from Facebook, find somewhere else to get your shoes done, even if it means the occasional visit to a different town.

This, it’s the only solution. 🤣

I'm wondering if this is my local shoe repair place! I went in there three times in quite a short space of time (my boots, DH's boots, and a leather handbag repair) and I found him a bit creepy. He never asked to be friends on FB though! But yeah, I'd be icily polite if I had to go back and "not understand' his innuendo.

Why did you accept a fb friend request?? You've inadvertently given the impression you might be interested, in a friendship at the very least - why on earth do that if he creeps you out?!

Just delete him with no explanation and keep interactions firmly polite from now on

This thread has me in stitches😂 Cobbler!

You’re laughing and joking with him, accepting his friend request - of course he’s going to think there is something in it. Stop. Take control. Unfriend him. Just be neutral.

Is OP talking Cobblers?

“having accepted a friend request on fb from him”

Why on earth would you do this? You’re sending him the message that you regard him as a “friend” and then complaining about his over-familiar manner. You need to back off, OP - you’re giving out very mixed messages.

No it isn’t …..but don’t want the place to be recognised 🤦🏻‍♀️ ….I’m just so pathetic

I don't understand why you added them as a friend on Facebook, did you see them as a friend/like the attention they were giving you but now realised how bad it looks?

Step 1 Remove him completely from fb.
I have zero idea why you would accept him then message him...?!?!?

Some ideas

Let the shoes "sync up" so you take them in one batch.
Send your husband.
Send your children.
Taken your children to drop the things in.
Dont enfage in small talk with him - Be looking at your phone / talk to the kids
Dont smile and dont be friendly
Dont engage in small talk just say 'hmmmm.... so when can I collect them?'

Him, not them.

Bore off

Thank you so much for understanding the situation and will do just that with the things that need repairing.

Why? @Moonnstarz 's post was perfectly grammatical and comprehensible.

Just unfriend him on FB. Ignore his banter when you go into the shop,

I just saw someone I have to deal and communicate with quite regularly at certain times of the year, who initially came across as “nice”, provides a good quality service. No, I most certainly do not like the attention I am getting now.

You’re probably right there

But it’s a comparable type of place - repair, design, etc. My daughters and I particularly attend often…..and now I am also reluctant for my daughters to go there

It’s already been established that we’re talking about a man, so it’s completely nonsensical to pretend we don’t know what sex he is.

^ This.

I think there's probably more to this story... like initially liked the attention.

I didn't even think when I was writing about using them as to me that word makes sense and I didn't think any clarification was needed on the sex of the shop assistant, I don't know why so many people are picking up on it!

Can the husband be sent to the shop instead? I think it's now awkward as if you delete them (him 🙄) off Facebook and he notices he might wonder if there has been an issue with the service.

Also is it something niche or can you go elsewhere?