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I've been away for a few days.
It's great to see other guy's perspectives as well and good to know I'm not the only guy who has had this happen.
I do think it shows why women should be prepared though. If guys meaning no harm can so easily and unintentionally come into a situation like that, how much easier would it be for those meaning harm to do so as well?
I think it's great that the women of this forum take personal responsibility and know how to handle themselves.

TLynnHughes wrote:

AJ80 wrote:Thanks,
I'll try to keep that in mind.
I don't remember anyone ever acting like they were afraid of me before and it was kind of unsettling. I may start going around behind the parked vehicles if they are obstructing my view so that I won't pop up on someone unexpectedly like that again.

Also, size isn't the only thing that triggers an intimidation factor. Like you said, surprising her was probably the key, then the fact that she was alone and it was getting dark didn't help. And every day we're starting to hear about folks getting attacked in broad daylight in a busy parking lots, so my guard is certainly up these days.

T.

I certainly understand that. I keep my guard up as well, especially since I always walk the trail alone. I notice some people walk in large groups, which is a good idea.

Thanks,
I'll try to keep that in mind.
I don't remember anyone ever acting like they were afraid of me before and it was kind of unsettling. I may start going around behind the parked vehicles if they are obstructing my view so that I won't pop up on someone unexpectedly like that again.

I've begun walking the Azalea Trail in Lufkin recently, and I always park in the same lot near Lufkin Mall.
My path back to my car makes takes me in front of some parking spots, while the path from the mall to the lot where I park goes beside those spots.
Depending what is parked there sometimes I can't see if someone else is coming or not.

A few days ago, as I was heading back to my car from the Azalea Trail and a lady was headed back toward her car from the mall. I'd estimate that we were less than 10 feet apart when we noticed each other. I just kept walking thinking nothing of it, but then I noticed she started to rush toward her car and looked like she was trying to hurry and get her keys in her car door to open it. I never looked directly at her and I just kept going straight toward my car. I can certainly understand why a lady would get nervous when a guy just pops out like that heading in her direction(especially when starting to get dark like it was), I'm just wondering what I should do if the situation arises again.

Should I make eye contact, smile and greet her? Should I divert my path to make it clear that I'm not trying to go toward her? Should I do what I did and just look straight ahead and keep going? I'm not a big guy and don't consider myself scary looking or intimidating, but I did pop out from in front of those vehicles unexpectedly.

Anyway, just looking for some ladie's opinions on what you would prefer a guy do when he unexpectedly shows up like that.

Thanks,
Aaron