i work pretty well into the evening and so it was sort of late when was walking to the gym. (around 9:40-9:45 p.m.)

at my complex there is a large outdoor patio area behind the main office. as i was walking by, i noticed a gentleman on his phone, talking to whoever.

i passed by him, not really thinking anything of it until he made eye contact with me in the dark, turning his head to stare as i was walking towards the door for the gym. i entered the gym, got on the treadmill, a bit weirded out but reassuring myself things were fine.

i got a little more nervous as i heard a door open, keeping an earbud out of my ear in case he or someone else came inside. i noticed that he chose a chair in the common area that faced the gym, where he could see me working out through the window.

this is where i got a little more panicked, texting some friends, and my boyfriend about the situation. i had this gut feeling i was being watched so i decided to leave, not even finishing my lift. even though he was talking on the phone, i felt it was a bit weird that he chose a chair that was facing the gym.

i feel bad for making assumptions about this gentleman but something felt off and i didn’t feel comfortable staying. (at one point the lights went out because they are motion detected and that’s when i said fuck this shit i am not staying)

i ended up taking an exit where i could have better lighting the entire walk back to my building, ensuring my pepper spray was in one hand and looking back every few hundred feet or so to make sure i wasn’t being followed.

i know this was probably nothing, but i am wondering if i should ask the property manager if there’s someone other than the non-emergency police number that i can call when i’m worried about my safety? or if there is someone who has had a similar experience? (there is no security on premises sadly)

or perhaps i can ask about installing outdoor light fixtures to better light the walkways? (oh yeah, like the entire main office, mail boxes, package room, and gym are surrounded by complete darkness. there are no light fixtures outside.)