I think I'm being followed..

You should have called police even if you think you're wrong. I thought my ex had hired a private investigator years ago that was following me. I never proved it, but he knew things he shouldn't have because I didn't tell him and we didn't talk to anyone that talked to the both of us. I got a baseball bat for protection, though I think you should get mace or even a gun.

I agree about getting mace... maybe not a gun but a bat or something, also ALWAYS keep a phone with you, even if you're not going far. Better to be safe then sorry and if it happens again do call the police because it would have happened a 2nd time, so not just a gut feeling and it can't be that much of a coincidence. Hopefully it won't happen anymore *fingers crossed*

Well I haven't gone outside again since then except in the middle of the day with my boyfriend, so I'm not sure if they'll be there again

I would say get a taser rather than mace or a bat. First off a bat would be easy to get away and Mace takes awhile to get out and shoot. I have a taser and I feel much safer knowing it's in my pocket when I'm out by myself, it also doubles as a flashlight.
If you don't feel comfortable getting a gun at least take lessons so you know how to shoot one in case you need to.

Also try to vary your route home, dont stick to schedules if you can help if. That helps prevent predators from catching you alone.
Always park under a light or around people, Dont park next to vans or in dark corners. Dont tell people even friends from school when you will be alone at home, you never know who is eavesdropping. If you see someone suspicious walking towards you cross the street...Just be aware and tell someone what you suspect. Better to overreact than get hurt. Good luck!

I think a gun is a bit extreme... Just keep your eyes peeled at ALL times.

Do let people know about this and if there is anything suspicious at all then phone someone just so you have someone 'with' you. If I'm walking in the dark or late at night I always talk to someone on the phone just in case anything were to happen. I always tell them where I am (update as I go) just in case someone were to bundle me in the back of the van, at least then they could tell the police where I was and at what time..

Don't panic yourself about it too much. We've not got the whole story so everyone is jumping to conclusions but if this is happening more than once and you're positive he was heading towards you and no-one else near you and it was definitely a gun (not a umbrella or something, not being patronising but your mind can play tricks on you) then do get in contact with the police immediately.

Take Care!

mace is legal, I don't think people can carry tasers as they can cause death.

Tasers are legal. Just depends on the state and voltage.

I think First you should call the police. Better safe then sorry.
And alert neighbors to this so they are alert also.

As for safety, buy a couple cans of wasp spray. Keep one near your door and the other in the car and one near you when you're home. These are excellant for spraying far, 20-30 feet so you don't need to get close, and will not be suspected if there is an intruder, etc. The spray will blind them temporary and give you time to run!!!

You know the saying... " Just because you are paranoid, does NOT mean they're NOT following you!"............ You need to let the police know what happened, and be very aware of all people around you. Young girls, boys and kids are being taken for human trafficking, it is a very real and growing problem!!! Be paranoid, be aware of your surroundings. try to always be with someone, and don't take chances. And if you get a weapon, LEARN how to use it.

I totally agree with Diana B. So don't tempt faith and just stay inside after dark, unless you don't go out alone of course, but accompanied by a strong man The world is becoming a strange evil place nowadays... BTW I hate those sick basterds with guns,jegh! Lucky me, overhere aren't so much guns available as in the US...
Just a lot of potheads tho... LOL

I carry mace everywhere I go, and have since about 2005. Funny... not to freak anyone out, but I had a dream we were having this exact conversation a few months ago. Either that, or we actually did, because there are so many creeps out there. ;)

I agree with what people said--take mace, keep someone with you or on the phone, and vary your routine, etc. I keep my mace in the same place in each bag every single time I take it, so I'm not rooting around in my bag when I need it; it's in a highly-accessible place, and even positioned so that when I grab it, the sprayer naturally follows the curve of my hand away from me. During a time of danger, you need every micro-second you can get!

Another thing that helps to throw people off is, if you can see their faces, look right in their eyes. Walk like you know where you are going/have a purpose, even if you don't. Get your key out well before you need it so you have it right in your hand when you get to the front of your apartment. Additionally, I like to carry my key like a little pointy dagger--in such a way so that people can see that I have a small, yet dangerous object in my hand, in case they decide to intervene.

Hopefully all our tips really help, and, more importantly, that you never need them!!! Good luck with everything, and by all means, please keep us updated! <3 <3 <3

About the mace, if you EVER have to use it (I hope no one does) but if you do, don't just get them in the eyes. Shoot it directly at their face, nose, mouth.

That stuff, it's killer.

A girl I got in a fight with pulled that stuff out on me and I tell you... I couldn't see anything! I couldn't breathe, it was awful. And if you can't breath... You can't really do anything haha

thats scary we have a guy in out neighborhood that does that he stalks the little kids on his bike he did that for about a year and 2 months ago i was checking the mail and he came up to me and he said "would you like to buy a radio from me" and i said "no thanks" and ran away as fast as i could to get back to my house but later we found out that he is mentally ill but it just freaked us out so much. if u see them coming after you just stare at them like you are gonna kill so like focus on them bursting into flames and that gives you a good killer stare they get scared and go away. (i still get freaked out when he comes to my house to ask my dad for a pepsi...........)

I have self defense classes to deal with that sort of problem.