Have you ever spooked someone by unintentionally following them?

I was behind a pick-up truck one time, and I was singing really loud and waving my arms about to the song on the radio. A half block later, I turned 8nto a strip mall (behind him, which I didn’t notice) and he came up to my car, knocked on my window, and yelled at me: “Why are you yelling at and following me???” I was completely gobsmacked, explained what happened, we both laughed, then both went into the tattoo shop. He then said, “Geez, lady, if I’d known you were getting inked I wouldn’t have dared yell at you!”
I felt very bad-ass that day.

Yes, in my city there are only two ways to get to my house so we often follow each other home for long distances, which can be creepy if you dont recognize the vehicle.

@canidmajor I’m kinda embarrassed for you that he mistook your singing for yelling.

I accidentally followed my daughter’s ex-boyfriend on Instagram and he freaked out.

Actually, yes. I was walking, making the same general path as someone else. They asked why I was following them, said I wasn’t, we just happened to be going towards the same place. They told me to quit it. I wasn’t sure how I was supposed to be going to a different place when I’m almost already there. We entered same establishment. They confronted me, demanding to know what I plan on doing there. I answered by walking away. As a result they were now following me. I opted not to confront. It’s going to happen.

I walk too fast to be following anyone.
Same, I drive faster than most to consider me following anyone.

I’m a man. Probably do it all the time with out even being aware.

No, but the reverse happened once. I was following someone on a rainy night and somehow I got behind another car and followed that car all the way to the back of a big office building. I realized what I’d done and sped away. It could have ended badly but didn’t.

I was in an unfamiliar city on a dark rainy miserable night in the 1970’s and being unsure of my route I asked a passing stranger for directions. I tried to follow his instructions but I became hopelessly lost and had to ask another stranger for directions. It turned out to be the same man I had spoken with earlier. He did give me a rather odd look.

@SnipSnip That’s a bad situation you were in. Glad it turned out well.

I try not to do this. Don’t want people thinking I’m weird. Hell if I see an attractive woman on the street or in a store I’ll look another direction and act like I’m lost or distracted. No point making people uncomfortable.

Many years ago I was transferred to a new office and the receptionist for my building was really cute. I wanted to ask her out and was waiting for the lobby to empty out. I assumed she would shoot me down and I didn’t want to get shot down in front of an audience. Hardly anyone came through the lobby but on that day people kept coming in in so I kept hanging around waiting for the right time. Finally There was a pause and I made my move. She accepted but told me later that I was beginning to creep her out just hanging in the lobby. The thought never crossed my mind that I might be looking like a stalker or some other nefarious creep. Luckily it worked out and we’ve been married for 41 years now.

@Jaxk HA! I love it!

41 years is a long time to make a marriage work. You have my respect. Congratulations.

@chyna Indeed. I had just learned some horrible news and was in a strange city where I knew one person. That is who I was following. He called and told me to stop under a light and wait for him. He was there is five minutes. I still tell him he saved my life. :)

I may have. I worked in the city for years – rode the train, walked the streets at night sometimes. I’m a six-foot-tall big dude.

I’m regrettably almost certain I freaked out someone unintentionally. I’d feel terrible about that if I knew for sure.

P.S.: Comedian John Mullaney does a bit on this about running to catch a train.

I’m mindful of this. And will slow down or switch lanes if I’m behind the same person for too long and I notice them looking at me in their mirrors.

I did scare someone online when I PMd them and said they should not post the dates when they would be out of town because I just did a quick google search and easily found her name and address.

Like, dude. I’m just trying to give you a solid tip. If I wanted to rob you, I’m not going to PM you first.