A little nervous

 I had something happen to me that has reminded me of a lot of the things I was taught early in my life about personal safety.  I was doing a lot of errands around town and realized that I was being followed.  I was in one store and a man seemed to be interested in some of the same stuff I was looking at ( I didn't realize this until later)  I didn't think much of it and left the store. As I was driving to the next store and was looking left to make my turn I noticed the same man in the lane next to me watching me. I still didn't think much of it and as I continued on he quickly changed lanes and followed me into the store parking lot.  I parked between two cars close to the store because I was getting that feeling that this was a little strange. I usually park way out as far as I can to get some steps in but this time I was as close to the door as I could get.  As I got out of my car and began walking he quickly circled the cars and pulled up next to me. Playing music loudly and bouncing like he was dancing to the music. (he was probably in his 50's) I just glanced at him and his car because I didn't want to encourage anything but also wanted to make sure I could cross the area into the store without getting hit. There were several people coming out of the store or I would not have gotten out of my car.  I went into the store and all the "alerts" in my body were going off.  I stayed in there for quite a while and called my husband to see if he would meet me. We were going to meet at the bank. I left the store while on the phone and could see him parked in the parking lot of another store but watching me.  I was not going home until I knew he was not following.  As I drove off he stayed and did not follow.  Maybe seeing me on the phone discourage him.  Maybe when I did not look at him and acknowledge his music he got the message. Who knows?  It reminded me of some of the safety everyone should follow. Always, always be aware of your surroundings. I don't know how long he had been following me.  I had been to several places before the stores.  Drive to a police station or some other public area if being followed.  Ask for help in the store. Do not go home if being followed because then they know where you live. Lock your car doors. Check your car before getting in. Everyone should do these things.  Men and women of any age.  Listen to the "alerts" your body gives you. I feel we are all given something in us that can tell us of danger. Maybe it was nothing. Maybe it was something. 
       This brought to mind another experience I had many years ago. My husband and I had been out of town and coming home late at night. I was driving and he was slumped down in the passenger seat asleep. I was driving down State Street in Salt Lake City and realized I was being followed closely. I continued on past our apartment and the car followed me for a long time. I was making a lot of turns and the car stayed right there. I woke up my husband and told him what was going on. My  husband sat up and the other car sped off. Again, I don't know what really was going on. This was in the 70's and it shook me up pretty badly. Teddy Bundy(of course we did not know that was who it was at the time) had taken several girls from the area. I fit the type of girl that he was taking. Slim with long, straight, dark hair. There were many news reports of how to stay safe if being followed.  I have always wondered about that. It felt really scary to me and I have always been very careful of my surroundings.  Keep yourself safe.  It only takes a moment for something to change your life. I will probably be on "high alert" for a while as I travel around town.