I think I might Be That Guy
By sovknight | July 2, 2008
We’ve all been there. Walking alone somewhere, maybe on a dark street or a parking garage, lost in our thoughts. Suddenly you’re aware of another person, always a man, always by himself as well, walking behind you. That guy, walking behind you.
You’re subject to a certain amount of fear and doubt. Maybe this guy is some kind of mugger? Maybe he’s a rapist or some sort of unsavory sort? In your mind, you start running through scenarios on how to deal with it. You try to remember if your pepper spray is in your purse, or, if you’re a guy, you picture yourself in a possible physical altercation. Deftly dodging knife swipes while landing jabs to his face. As you walk, his distance never changes. You sneak a quick look behind you; his face is placid and expressionless. What is he thinking? You wonder: Does he have a weapon? I just need to get to where I’m going. Get somewhere where people can see me.
Usually it’s just someone else going in your direction. I suppose there are occasions where there is a crime, but I’m specifically talking about those cases where you’re just scaring yourself. The guy behind you is harmless, and deep down you know that.
I like to take walks around my neighborhood. Know that my place isn’t exactly the safest neighborhood though. I think of Midvale as the armpit of Salt Lake City. It’s not a slum or a ‘hood, or full of crime-ridden filth, but it’s not really "nice" either. Most of the architecture involves pawn shops and those sleazy car dealerships that have a trailer for an office. There’s a sex shop (or what passes for one in Utah, anyway) directly across the street, and there have been a couple of shootings in my complex in the past couple of years. Still, I enjoy a good stroll around the block, so I walk. Hoodlums don’t concern be all that much, although I try to stay alert most of the time.
On occasion, I’ll come across a happy couple or a young mom pushing a stroller during my walk. Just people out for a little exercise, just like me. These people invariably move to the side a little, or give me one of those nervous smiles as I pass by. I usually give them a grin or a head nod or in the case of old people, a hello. No big deal. I never thought too much about it really. Sometimes I’ll see someone up ahead going to wherever it is they’re going. Sometimes they’ll even take a quick glance behind them, maybe sizing me up, or curious as to who I am. I don’t say anything. I just keep my face placid and expressionless. No sense in alarming anyone, right?
I don’t think of myself as an imposing figure. I’m not any sort of racial minority (actually, come to think of it, I suppose in my particular apartment complex I am.) I don’t look threatening… at least I don’t think so. No one has any real reason to fear me at all. I’m not scary, am I?
It occurred to me just the other night, as I thought more about it. I think I might be that guy.
That’s kind of cool.
Topics: Thoughts |
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:35 am
It’s funny, I thought girls were the only ones who worried about strange guys walking behind them. Girls are pretty much socialized into worrying about it from a young age, and I guess in a way that’s a good thing — a necessary thing, but it’s also a shame.
I think if I didn’t know you, and you were walking twenty feet behind me at dusk, I might worry about you.
Sras last blog post..Train of Secrets
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:20 am
I’ve been that guy before. Its always kind of funny to think about what the other person might be thinking.
Trovans last blog post..Viva la Vida!
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Redhead, I worry about you when you’re walking BESIDE me.
(bada-boom)
Seriously, though, I think it’s your (initially) non-descriptive, white dude appearance, combined with a Heathcliffian look of intense brooding, that makes you appear…if not “menacing,” then certainly “I wonder if that guy has a photomat up in the mountains he’s converting into a stronghold for the upcoming “revolution.”"
Claires last blog post..Cats - are they just waiting to eat your face?
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I already posted a comment, but for some reason it’s not here. The Comment Monster musta ate it.
I’ve been that guy before. I always think its kind of funny to think about the panicky thought they are probably having about you.
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:13 pm
@Sra: Gee, thanks a lot.
Guys think about it too, we’re just wired differently on how to respond.
@Trovan: I found your comment in the spam folder. It’s never done that before, and I’m curious as to why. Your second comment came through just fine. Must be gremlins.
@Claire: Shhh! You’re not supposed to tell anyone about the photomat!
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:12 pm
You do sort of look like child molester… hehehe Ok not really but for some reason you remind me of the cartoon characters on the front of packets of big league chew… So on a side note, I have found a business for you to start. Whilst Sra and I were walking around at the farmers market there was a guy selling prints of photos he had shot. They sucked of course, however, people were still buying them. So you would probably clean up! They other thing you could do is make a website of postcards and or prints. You can get them made here http://www.zazzle.com/custom/postcards with no minimum order. If you design some cool ones you could set it up for people to vote on the best designs sort of like tshirthell.com… Something to think about.
feed the world with pezs last blog post..Fall of a Legend
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Thanks for the tip! As far as being a child molester, it doesn’t help that my Google ads currently display content for pedophile and sex abuser registration. Those ads may have to go.
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Not all of Midvale is like what you described. Where I live and where you live are the armpits, but there are some really nice neighborhoods with houses that look like suburban houses!
I will admit, I have had situations like that. If I have my children with me it is especially alarming. I often will walk and peak back while thinking, could I defend my children and myself?
Taunis last blog post..4th of July Festivities
July 5th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
I got it! Now I know where I remember you from! You’re THAT GUY I saw at C3!!
And you always wondered why I carried a knife. Girl’s got to protect herself from guys like you
Of course, it was two of “those guys” that helped me change my tired at 2am on the side of the freeway last night when I got a flat. On second thought, I think I like your kind of guy *giggle*