This is an incident that happened about ten years ago when I was 14(f) that I think about often and still can't decide.
I was at my local park, relatively small, but big enough for dogs to run around in (I had a dog I walked there frequently). It was a circular track with two entrances, one downhill to the village for locals and one that was to a car park for visitors (not a rule, just how it tended to be).
This day, I was off school (holidays), but my parents were both working. Not an issue. My older brother had taken the dog to the vets, but I missed being outside, so decided to walk around the park anyways. So, in a good via the village entrance, up the hill and start the circular route listening to music.
As I approach the car park, I see a guy standing there with a German shepherd dog- he's short, thinning blonde hair and a bit of the chubbier side. I had lived there a few years and thanks to my own dog, knew the regulars- I didn't know this guy, but the dog was magnificent though - and as I passed, I nodded to him and said his dog was lovely.
He seemed to jump into life, insisting he walk with me and his dog- who I think was called Zeus or Apollo. I was a bit caught off guard, but didn't want to be rude so said sure. I knew it was normal for other dog walkers to walk together, even with new people, to let the dogs socialise. But I'd never been asked to walk when I was alone, or asked anyone walking alone to walk with me and my dog. It just wasn't done really.
But, we walk, and he very open, and I was trying to be polite. I kept trying to keep the conversation on his dog- but he wanted to talk about the struggles with his job, his marriage ect. I thought it was weird, I was a stranger, but figured he wanted to vent, so just nodded along.
Then he started trying to get me to talk about myself- how old was I? Why was I out alone? I was young and stupidly answered these questions in a mumble. I should have stayed quiet really.
We got to the top of the hill that led out of the park to the village, and relieved, I told him I was heading out, knowing he would have to go back to the car park... except he happily said he'd come with me. I was confused, but there was a smaller route at the bottom of the hill and thought maybe he planned to go that way. But he walked with me with his dog, out the park and up the street. I was creeped out now, because I lived at the top of the street- yet I was aware I was NOT taking this guy to my house, especially knowing no one was home.
I didn't know what to do, but just stopped walking and stood awkwardly. So, of course he starts asking where I lived- 'which house is yours, honey?' - I remember my red flags going off and quickly shrugged and said I actually lived pretty far, but figured he'd be heading back.
He looked confused, then started saying about his dog, and didn't I like his dog ect. I don't know what the angle was here- that I'd let him walk with me further because of the dog? Not sure.
Either way, thankfully, another villager I knew appeared over the horizon and I began waving at them. The guy looked annoyed, then said bye and walked back to the park.
To this day I'm not sure if he was a creep, or lonely or just overly friendly.
Thoughts?