Being judged for walking by myself.

[repcosy]

I am very new to Fitbit and im now trying to get my fitness levels up since quitting smoking. I have being trying to get my step numbers up and had some spare time, so I went for a walk through a local woodlands that leads to a beautiful reservoir. No dog, no kids, just me on my own. I'm 30 years. I came across two others ladies who seem horrified and judged me for walking on my own. I at this point felt quite uncomfortable and left quite quickly. 

My question is does this happen a lot to others? 

Should I always be walking with someone to prevent this happening? 

I didn't expect this at all! 

Any advice would be appreciated. 

[Esya]

Don't let those ladies get to you.

I am 35 years old, no dog, no kids and I go for walks by myself at times, but I am in The Netherlands. I just greet the people I come across who are walking their dog and they greet me back. It says more about those two ladies judging you than it says about you.

[SunsetRunner]

Ignore them

[repcosy]

Thank you to you both, you've both said exactly what I thought everyone would say. it just made me feel really uncomfortable. I didn't think there was any difference from running or cycling by myself. 

Maybe a pair of headphones for the future. Thank you! 

[y2kcrash]

I would think they were being less judgemental but rather showing more concerned for your well being which is really not a bad thing. 

It never is wrong to to be aware of your surroundings, and should not be a deterrent from getting out there and enjoying nature.

It is always a good thing to :

- Let people know where you are for sure when walking off the beaten path.

- Carry a cell phone if you have one.

- Doesn't hurt to ask around of others if the area you have chosen to walk in is of concern.

- Better yet just touch base with local law enforcement in the area to get their take on the area you have chosen.

- Head phones would not be my first choice  to block out the world around you. But that's my take on it when walking out in an area full of nature. I feel you my being missing out on the full benefits of even choosing to walk in the area in the first place. It should not be just about the number of steps. 

Get out there, relax and enjoy

[repcosy]

I 100% get what you mean about headphones and I do agree in certain places, i actually tend to walk with 1 on a lot when I do. The area I walked in today is quite a busy area for dog walkers, its also a very thin woods I personally wouldn't feel to comfortable walking through a dark, overgrown one on my own especially if it was very quiet and my mobile is always with me just in case I ever need to contact anyone or they need to reach me. 

[TravellingBat]

They were probably thinking that they wouldn't go out walking alone so why would anyone else? As long as they didn't actually say anything hurtful to you then it's best to let it just wash over you. Their opinions show more about them than about you. 

I used to walk to work for a previous job. I lived it! it was a 3 mile walk each way along a canal towpath. Most of it had been renovated but there was one stretch where you have to step around/over bits of overgrown foliage. I didn't listen to music while walking this part but then when I was on a busier stretch I just used one ear bud so I could still hear if a cyclist was coming up behind me. 

The tip about contacting local police to get information about how safe the area is is a good idea, but just because an area is considered safe now doesn't mean nothing is ever going to happen. I have previously been walking on my lunch break through a nearby field to a little pond  but then I found out that this lovely beautiful area was the scene of an attack on a young girl. The police have a man in custody for it now but the key thing is, you never know anything about who is around you so make sure you are safe! 

[Dominique]

You make it sound like you’re in Saudi Arabia and they’re the vice squad! They should mind their own business. You probably know quite well where and when it’s safe for you to walk on your own where you live.

[cindynelson]

Well a 9m semiautomatic handgun beats a cell phone every time. I am always packing when I go to a remote area. Now don't you liberals get your undies in a bunch.

[repcosy]

I think if I walked around with a 9m handgun I would instantly raise suspicion considering I live in the UK lol!  

[cindynelson]

Well I live in the USA where we can pack and I have a concealed carry permit ... so I guess it is not a problem.  When I go out of the country (I do that often), it always makes me nervous that I cannot protect myself so I improvise.

[repcosy]

If others could be carrying I dont blame you for carrying.  I tend to stick to places I know which is very different from what you do. I probably wouldn't walk in a woodland in an unknown area by myself. 

[cindynelson]

I also stick to places which I think are safe.  The last thing I want to do is get into a confrontation with somebody ... after all I am exercising to relax 🙂

[N8teGee]

I always walk alone. I hate other people slowing me down or dictating how far I can walk, so try to avoid walking with others wherever possible.

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@repcosy wrote:

I am very new to Fitbit and im now trying to get my fitness levels up since quitting smoking. I have being trying to get my step numbers up and had some spare time, so I went for a walk through a local woodlands that leads to a beautiful reservoir. No dog, no kids, just me on my own. I'm 30 years. I came across two others ladies who seem horrified and judged me for walking on my own. I at this point felt quite uncomfortable and left quite quickly. 

My question is does this happen a lot to others? 

Should I always be walking with someone to prevent this happening? 

I didn't expect this at all! 

Any advice would be appreciated. 

---

[USAF-Larry]

Last fall I was out walking on the country roads like I always do, always by myself, when I came upon a state patrol police car parked at a crossroad. The officer rolled down his window and opened a conversation by asking how I was doing, and asked if I walked there often.  After a brief conversation, he said they are seeing increasing drug traffic in the area and he was concerned about the safety of the area. As we parted ways, he asked if I saw any unusual activity or people to call it in.  I'm still walking the country roads and haven't seen any unusual activity - well, there was that one buck deer, but... - but I do keep an eye on my surroundings and do always have the cell phone handy.

[Megzzzx · Accepted solution]

That is one of the dumbest things I have ever heard of! I have walked alone most my life. I use to go everywhere walking before I moved to a place that required a car. I even hiked alone. Those women are bonkers. Who wants to depend on someone else their whole life? Sorry you can't enjoy that because no one is ready to do it with you? INSANE! Life should be lived regardless of whether someone wants to live it with you or not. Do what you want to do, be happy, ignore people who are dependent on others for their happiness!

[Esya]

@USAF-Larry

My parents were at home in their own bed when there was drug traffic in front of their house during the night. I mean, it just shows anything can happen anywhere and chances are low of running into them. Ofcourse be aware and alert, but I agree one should not stay at home because of that.

[repcosy]

Thank you Megan! That was my thoughts! The tones they spoke to me in was shocking. I don't think it will stop me walking anywhere on my own, it just took me by surprise. 

[Megzzzx]

Good I am glad! If I was there I would totally walk with you though! 

[Dave001]

The only person whose approval you need is your own. 

People who are quick to judge others are often doing so to deflect attention from their own deficiencies.

Keep walking. Keep enjoying it. Ignore the judgements of idiots.

Congratulations on stopping smoking!