Advice about how to respond to a situation please?

Hello, was out for a walk today, and was approached by a gentlemen (a total stranger) who showed an interest in the slogan on my hoodie whilst walking down a side street, and gently explained what it was. This was a side road, and we were the only two people on it. He asked my name and whether I was a musician (the slogan is about a particular genre of music - I stated both of these). I was already feeling on edge (I suffer from clinical depression/anxiety), so gave away more information than I should probably. I had assumed this was him just initiating a friendly conservation, and was eventually going to lead him to ask for directions. However he went on to talk about whether I knew God loved me. At this point I said very anxiously said 'Sorry I've got to go, I need to keep my pace up, pointing to my Fitbit', and he said 'I want to talk you' even after panicking and walking away. I'm not sure what the motivation behind this gentleman was - admittedly I do suffer from depression, so my face and eyes can look droopy/dead most of the time, so perhaps this was him being just being friendly/decent? 

I can't stop worrying about this situation and how I should've responded. As it happens, I'm a practising Christian too, but I still do not like being put on the spot let alone asked personal questions. Partly because I don't know how to get out the situation politely. I have similar reactions to when chuggers try and approach me in the street. I really do not like being put in the spot, let alone asked personal questions. Please note this person was also from an African background, so perhaps has simply has a slightly different outworking of personal boundaries (differences in culture), and I shouldn't be too worried. 

Parents
  • However he went on to talk about whether I knew God loved me.

    I do find a lot of the "god squad" people who want to push their beliefs onto you will use this approach. I think they believe they are spreading joy and enlightenment.

    From what you describe they sounded harmless enough so I wouldn't worry about it.

    The one lesson you can take away is that you give out too much info. Learning to be more guarded is a much safer approach for you in future, certainly for initial encounters.

    I still do not like being put on the spot let alone asked personal questions.

    I can recommend practicing this in front of the mirror. Say something like "I don't know you and I'm not comfortable answering personal questions to strangers so I'll be moving on now. Goodbye" until the phrase sticks and you can repeat it without thinking.

    You can say the same to the chuggers too - I find it works well.

    If you still struggle even with this tool in your arsenal then I would consider getting some assertiveness training to learn to stand up for yourself confidently and without agression. This is great as it has a wide range of uses in many different social and work situations.

    All in my opinion of course.

Reply
  • However he went on to talk about whether I knew God loved me.

    I do find a lot of the "god squad" people who want to push their beliefs onto you will use this approach. I think they believe they are spreading joy and enlightenment.

    From what you describe they sounded harmless enough so I wouldn't worry about it.

    The one lesson you can take away is that you give out too much info. Learning to be more guarded is a much safer approach for you in future, certainly for initial encounters.

    I still do not like being put on the spot let alone asked personal questions.

    I can recommend practicing this in front of the mirror. Say something like "I don't know you and I'm not comfortable answering personal questions to strangers so I'll be moving on now. Goodbye" until the phrase sticks and you can repeat it without thinking.

    You can say the same to the chuggers too - I find it works well.

    If you still struggle even with this tool in your arsenal then I would consider getting some assertiveness training to learn to stand up for yourself confidently and without agression. This is great as it has a wide range of uses in many different social and work situations.

    All in my opinion of course.

Children