So earlier this week, I’m walking home from the corner store, right? Just grabbing some milk. Felt this weird itch, like someone had their eyes glued to my back. Happened again yesterday waiting for the bus. Seriously got me paranoid. Saw that headline, “Is Someone That Watches You Following You? Find Out With These Quick Checks,” and figured, why not put it to the test myself? I’ve got nothing to lose but the creeps.
The Setup & First Gut Check
Yesterday evening, around 7 PM, I decided to head out to grab tacos. My neighborhood’s pretty quiet, streetlights kinda spotty in places. Perfect test ground. Before leaving my porch, I paused. Leaned on the railing like I was checking my phone, but really, I was scanning the street – left, right, across the street, parked cars. Saw Mrs. Henderson walking her poodle two blocks down. Old man Davies messing with his trash cans. Nothing sus. Told myself, “Okay, baseline. Remember normal.“
Putting The Checks To Work
Started walking. Kept my pace steady. Halfway to the taco place, I hit a stretch with fewer houses. That tingling feeling came back. “Time for Check #1,” I thought. The Quick Stop. I just… stopped dead in my tracks. Like, mid-stride. Pretended to tie my shoelace. Knelt down. Listened hard. Engine noise? Footsteps? Nope. Just crickets and distant traffic. Looked back casually. Nothing. Empty sidewalk behind me.
Got back up walking. Made it to the traffic light at Elm. Crossed, then immediately ducked into the little alley beside the dry cleaners. “Check #2: The Duck-Out.” I pressed myself flat against the wall just inside the alley entrance, totally still, watching the street I just left. Held my breath. Counted thirty seconds in my head. Anyone follow me across? Anyone pause, looking confused? Nada. Zip. The street stayed empty.
Felt a little silly, but pushed on. Grabbed my tacos. Walking back home, same route mostly. Got that prickly feeling again near the park. “Check #3: The U-Turn.” This one’s bold. Instead of going straight, I abruptly turned left like I meant to do it all along, heading down a dead-end side street I never take. Walked maybe twenty paces, then spun right back around. Fast.
Heart nearly stopped. A guy was turning into the same street! Was he just heading home? Or following my lead? “Final Check: The Confront.” Didn’t run. Just walked straight towards him, making eye contact. He looked startled, fumbled with his keys, and practically jogged into one of the houses near the corner. Looked like he lived there!
What Actually Happened & The Aftermath
Turns out, that guy rushing into his house? Yeah, Mr. Peterson. Lives right there. Saw him mowing the lawn this morning. Guess he was just coming home late, same as me getting tacos.
What’d I really learn?
- Your gut is loud, but sometimes dumb. Mine screams ‘stalker!’ way too easy.
- Stopping and listening is powerful. Most ‘followers’ are just shadows in your head. Real ones trip up when you stop.
- The Duck-Out feels theatrical, but works. Seeing that empty street after hiding? Instant relief.
- The U-Turn is the ultimate test. Forces anyone actually tailing you to decide – follow the weird move or bail.
- Quick checks beat panicking. Takes seconds, gives you back control. And honestly? Knowing how to check is half the battle. Calms you down.
Honestly? I felt kinda dumb staring at an empty street after hiding in an alley. And poor Mr. Peterson probably thinks the neighbor lost his marbles staring him down over tacos. But knowing for sure, instead of just wondering? Totally worth looking a bit crazy. Plus, those tacos were fantastic. Next creepy feeling, I’m doing these checks again. Way cheaper than therapy.
