It only takes a split second for a normal day to turn frightening—but sometimes, a little preparation can be the difference between safety and disaster. One woman’s quick response to a potential stalker proves just how powerful online safety tips can be.
The woman was at the mall with her husband when she stopped to use the restroom. Her husband went ahead to the car, but as she entered the bathroom, she noticed a man already inside—and he turned to watch her. Instantly, she remembered a warning she’d read: Avoid isolated spaces like bathrooms if you suspect you’re being followed. She turned and walked straight back out, but the man followed.
Her mind raced as she tried another tactic she’d learned: Head into a store that would seem out of place for your pursuer. She spotted a boutique doll shop and slipped inside—but the man came in right after her, still watching her closely.
Now sure she was being targeted, she rushed outside and called her husband, making sure to speak loudly: “I’m being followed by the man behind me.” Her husband came running, and the stalker immediately took off. Because she remembered advice shared by other women online, she turned a scary situation into a lucky escape.
