Quote Originally Posted by PassiveFlower View Post
Thank you all for weighing in on this. I really appreciate the advice and I am going to start walking with my key in my hand and try to get a rape alarm. Not just for this guy, but because I walk alone most of the time and it is a good idea.
Absolutely.

An update: the morning after I wrote the initial post I waited an extra half hour before leaving the house, but I couldn't wait longer because I had a meeting at work. I was hoping to walk with my housemate, but couldn't wait. I got past the place where this guy usually waits and he wasn't there so I continued on - fast.
See, you are afraid- and you should not have to live like that; this guy has crossed the line.
I thought I had got past him, when he came running after me.
This is officially harassment, chasing you.
I was very tense and tired and I am afraid I became quite rude.
Why are you afraid of being rude? This guy is invading your personal safety and you're worried about being rude? Good for you for speaking up for yourself!

I kept saying "you are freaking me out" and "I don't like being followed". He asked for my phone number. I just totally lost my temper and shouted at him that I will not give him my phone number.
That's exactly right. I'm proud of you!

I sincerely hope that he got the message, but in the meantime I have spoken to my boss and I now wait for my housemate, no matter how late he leaves. I will do that for a while, but I can't lock myself in the house indefinitely.
This is a fine temporary solution; but you should definitely contact the authorties and make a report. Even if they can't do anything, just having this on file may give you help in the future.

My housemate visits his girlfriend on weekends, and I have to go shopping.

I really hope this is over now. Thanks to all of you. It is sometimes hard to listen to your intuition, because social conditioning takes over. But I think this is a good time to learn to pay more attention to that inner voice.
And keep on listening to it, no matter what anybody tells you. Good for you.