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Posting this to debrief so will prob delete in a bit. I was just at the local shops, and jogged slightly crossing the road as the walk lights charged to orange.
As I got to the other side, this aggro-looking man held his hand up (middle ‘FU’ finger up) right in my face so I had to dodge my head back, and kept it in my face as I went around him. He continued glaring aggressively as I went past and away down the street.
Have never seen him before, and no idea what that was about. There are always people begging at the shops and some seem to have mental health issues, but I’ve never felt actually threatened in the 10+ years I’ve been here. He was very likely methylated or something, too (not that that’s an excuse).
I’m fine (and am usually tougher than this), and I know it’s very minor in the scheme of things, but am feeling upset and yuck right now.
Hugs. This sort of thing seems to be getting more frequent. There are some shopping areas I just don't go to anymore (South Preston Woollies anyone?) because of the aggro beggars crowding the entrance. Was worse when there was a parcel locker there - things got pretty tense with people getting harassed when collecting parcels. So they took the lockers away and things calmed down a bit. Still a horrible experience having that happen to you. Again, hugs.
Thank you. It definitely reminded me that I’m probably not great at self defence if it came to the crunch, lol.
The local shops usually aren’t too bad during the day, but less ok after 6 or so at night when there aren’t many people around. When I lived in the area, the smith street woolies had a similar vibe to Preston - it definitely made shopping there an experience.
Oh yeah, Smith Street Woolies is a vibe unto itself.
We all get taken aback sometimes. Sometimes, as awful as it sounds, it can just be a good reality check to ensure that you have your wits about you. It’s not a pleasant thing, but sometimes it’s necessary.
I had an odd experience, not threat-wise, but still bothers me to this day. I think I might have mentioned it some time ago, but I almost willingly handed over $50 to one of those fake monks. I can’t really explain why in the moment, I would have if I hadn’t got pulled away and it was almost as if I was under a sort of spell? When I think back, it was weird like spirituality trust thing, like, oh, you’re a monk, I can give you x dollars and then he pulled out a notepad showing donations of $50 etc. and for some reason I just thought, oh, okay and started to fish out $50…
Reflecting back on it, I don’t know why it still really bothers me. Usually, I’m good with seeing through things like that, but I think it’s weirdly that I felt offended/betrayed that the ploy worked on me because I believe in spirituality of sorts. It was jarring.
You’re totally right about the reality check - usually I’m on the ball but was a bit distracted today, which I’m sure didn’t help.
I also know what you mean re the monk situation. I’ve definitely had a few instances where in hindsight it’s been, why the f did I fall for that?! Scammers know how to get past people's defences.
Something similar happened to me with the Moonies way back. Made a donation of $20 (big for then) but the spruiker kept getting at me for the rest of the contents of my wallet. Eye opening.
That's horrible and I'm sorry that happened to you ♥
Thanks.. feeling better now