Whether you’re new to the dating pool, or have been languishing here for a while, it’s always handy to know how to spot a creep, especially those of the stalker variety. The range of their talents runs from mere annoyance to downright scariness, so it’s important to know how to spot a creep from afar, before he notices you and gets the Creepy Ball rolling. If you’re having a hard time figuring out who’s sincerely nice and who’s just waiting for a restraining order, here are 7 tips on how to spot a creep, in no particular order.
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1. He’s a Loner
While some potential creepsters travel in packs, the most serious creeps are loners. Perhaps it’s because they creep out everyone, guys included, so they have no friends, or maybe they prefer to do their creeping work alone, so they don’t invite friends along. Either way, if you notice a lone guy scoping your girls’ night out, he might well be a stalker-in-sheep’s clothing. His lone wolf status isn’t a symbol of his fiery independence, it’s just how to spot a creep… at least, THIS creep.
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Creeps often act differently than other people, which can make them hard to spot. They may be overly friendly to strangers, and may try to get too close to someone without their permission. They may also make inappropriate comments or jokes, and may be overly possessive or jealous. They may follow people around or try to get them to do things they don’t want to do. They may also make unwanted advances or try to control someone’s behavior. It is important to be aware of these signs and to trust your gut if something feels off. If you feel like someone is a creep, it’s best to avoid them and keep your distance.
2. You See Him Everywhere
In the early 1990s, I had a stalker. When he was finally caught, and I saw him face to face, I realized I had been seeing him everywhere for weeks. If you notice the same guy everywhere you go – the library, your job, your fave coffee shop – it might be coincidence, or he might be quietly stalking you. Definitely creepy!
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3. You’ve Been Warned
Another clue this guy’s a creep? If anyone warns you about him, especially a stranger. There’s a pro-level creepster at my local library, but a friendly librarian warned me about him, so I know to stay away. If anyone ever warns you not to be too friendly with a guy, take heed and avoid him, or at least be wary.
4. He Touches You
Nothing ever gives anyone, male or female, the right to lay hands on you without your permission. So why don’t creeps know this? Or maybe they do, and it’s just one extra special creepiness offering they like to make. If a guy you’ve just met touches you, especially if it makes you uncomfortable, get away from him – he’s almost certainly a creep! It doesn’t have to be a touch near any of your lady bits to be unwelcome, either, loves – creepsters can also get a kick out of just touching your shoulder while they’re talking to you. I can’t even tell you how grossed out this makes me!
5. Watch How He Treats Other Women
Two can play at the “I’m watching you” game! If someone’s making you uncomfortable, watch how other people react to him, and how he treats other people, especially women. If they’re obviously uncomfortable, then he’s probably a creep.
6. He’s Lewd
Let’s face it. No matter how drunk or bold a guy is, no matter how many of his friends have put him up to a dare, if a guy is behaving lewdly, it’s time to go, and perhaps alert the bouncer or police. Unless you’ve asked to see some guys boy parts (it could happen, I suppose), there’s no reason for him to flash them about. Creep material, for sure!
7. Trust Your Gut
Last, but certainly not least, trust your gut. If your creep alert is beeping, it’s time to leave, safely, preferably with a male escort, like that hunky bouncer you noticed checking IDs as you came in. Don’t confront the creep, just gather your girls and head to another, creep-free club. We girls have women’s intuition for a reason, so trust it!
It’s rotten that we have to worry about creeps and stalkers, but it’s so important to be able to spot one, so you can avoid any hassle (or worse!) down the road. Which of these tips do you and your friends use ferret out creeps? Or is there another tell-tale creep sign I ought to add to my list?
Comments
Arge: These tips are so helpful!
lyuly: @Isis from what your saying i think he's just a guy whose in to you and goes everyday on the same bus and he lives on the same town. just ignore him. Think of him as an admirer
Isis: Heya I'm just making sure here but there's this guy that's always on the same bus as me that is when I bother to take the bus but anyway his friends tease him when I'm around and one of his friends even tried to get a glimpse of my face. I'm getting really creeped out here!! I don't like this guy at all and the worst part is that he lives in the same place as me!! Not like he lives in the same house as me no more like town!! Help is this a stalker or something?! I'm really creeped out!!
Meghan: I know this guy that my friends have talked about how he's really creepy. I met him at a camp I went to but we just talked a little bit nothing big but I see him at this class I go to and even though I barley know him he always stares and recently he gave me a hug twice and I don't know if he's just being nice
Isis: @Lyndsie Robinson @lyuly thanks so much for your help!! I really appreciate it!! :D
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