Last night, I went to a concert with a group of friends. We are very deep in the EDM community, and for those who don’t know- it’s an amazingly loving and accepting group of people (for the most part). The culture is really big on happiness, respect, and protection of others. Modern day hippies, if you will. Of course, as with all communities, there are some bad apples.
Anyway, it’s not unusual to speak to strangers or be approached by someone that you don’t know so i initially was not alarmed. In this case, though, the guy hung around a little too long after I had dropped many cues that the conversation was done and that I was just trying to enjoy myself with my friends.
A few things happened during this interaction that, after reflecting on it this morning, make me ask a lot of questions.
First, he seemed oddly sober compared to the surrounding environment, myself included. I have no problem with those who choose to be sober, but I mean that his actions did not reflect that of a sober person, while his entire demeanor seemed extremely sober- which feels off to me.
Next, were at a concert so hearing people speak is not the easiest, but out of NO WHERE he just says “wait, you really think that I’m handsome?”. I, not at all being attracted to this man, said absolutely nothing of the sort. I was really taken back by this as it felt really random. I just responded “No, I didn’t say that, I was just trying to say welcome to the community and I hope you have a good rest of your night.” aka “Goodbye”, but he didnt get the hint.
Here’s the weirdest part: As I tried to turn away, he said “Wait, i just have one question for you!” so i said “ok, what?” and he asked “Can you touch your tongue to the tip of your nose?”. I said yes, and he said “Can you show me?”. Weird, right? But I did it quickly hoping that he would be satisfied and just leave. (Spoiler alert- he wasn’t). He then said “Can you touch your tongue to your chin?”. This is when my alarms started ringing. Why would he want me to open my mouth that much? Was he trying to drug me? What is even going on with this guy? So i just said no i can’t, of course he asked me to try, but luckily i had gotten my face painted and told him that I didn’t want to lick the paint.
Then I tried to leave again and he pulled me in for a hug. A hug that was much more affectionate than I am comfortable with sharing with a stranger. He was much larger than I am so I couldn’t escape it myself, but I threw the “help me” eyes at my friend who I had told the guy was my boyfriend and was able to get out that way.
So what do you guys think? I know that we always need to follow our instincts on situations, but have I just become paranoid? Is this a known tactic that I’m unaware of? Im still rattled by this experience and i’m glad that I wasn’t harmed.