Unfortunate Encounter in London
Not too long ago, I experienced an unsettling incident while walking down Holloway Road with my wife and her friends. A man came running towards us from the opposite side of the sidewalk. I stepped aside to let him pass, but he instead veered towards me, spat at me, and continued running. It was clearly deliberate.
The whole thing happened so quickly that I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. Why did this happen? Was it motivated by some form of prejudice (neither of us are white)? Did I inadvertently provoke him? Or was it simply a random act that I should learn to shake off?
I find myself confused and searching for answers.
I’m really sorry to hear that you experienced such a distressing incident. It can be incredibly confusing and upsetting, especially when it feels like there was no reason for the behavior. Unfortunately, people can act out in ways that are irrational or harmful, and often, their actions are more about them than anything else.
It’s important to remember that you didn’t provoke this behavior; you were simply trying to navigate the sidewalk. It’s possible that the guy was just acting out of anger or frustration, and his reasons may have nothing to do with you at all.
If you’re feeling unsettled, that’s completely valid. Processing such an encounter can take time. Surround yourself with supportive friends and loved ones, and don’t hesitate to talk about your feelings. It’s okay to take this incident seriously, while also recognizing that it doesn’t define you or your daily experiences in London. Stay safe and take care of yourself.