[malyk]

Do you think that's unjustified from them?

I, as a fairly non-descript white guy, am always worried when out walking near a single female that she might be afraid of me and what I might do and take steps to help alleviate that (walk slower, etc.).

I mean, it seems like the most reasonable course of action. Sure, I'm never going to confront/assault/rape anyone, but the 5'2", 110 lbs woman walking in front of me on the street? She has no clue. How hard is it for me to slow down half a step and give her some relief?

[dragonwriter]

> How hard is it for me to slow down half a step and give her some relief?

Why would dropping back give relief? Seems to me, moving to the side as far as the sidewalk, etc., permits then accelerating to pass so you aren't behind is the better course of action.

[malyk]

Yeah. It's all situation dependent. If you slow, then she'll keep increasing the distance between you. I try to pass if reasonable. Especially if we hit a light or something, even crossing on red if no cars. Really anything that feels reasonable to show I'm not interested in them at all. Hard to give all angles in a comment.

I guess my point is that I feel like you are doing something wrong if you /aren't/ considering how those around you are interpreting your actions. It's like the people at the grocery store who blindly stop their carts in the middle of the aisle and walk away to browse...seriously? You didn't consider how your actions impacted anyone else at all?

[felix_nagaand]

That actually makes the whole situation far creepier. You go from an unwanted person along her path to literally stalking her until your paths part.

stalk gerund or present participle: stalking: pursue or approach stealthily.

synonyms:creep up on, trail, follow, shadow, track down, go after, be after, course, hunt;More