Honestly, it sounds like she has allergies.

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/allergies-in-cats

1 - I recommend replacing her food with a hydrolyzed one (Purina HA, Hills Z/D).

They eliminate protein allergies by breaking the proteins down into smaller pieces, and the pet’s immune system can’t recognize them as the allergen.

It’s expensive, but it’s the easiest thing to try for her to get some relief.

2 - I also recommend a steroid shot to help ease her symptoms if the food change doesn’t work. This will give her a break while you work with your vet to eliminate other potential allergies (ex. household dust).

3 - Don’t use Benadryl. Benadryl is an out-of-date medication for both humans and animals. It’s a first gen medication, but we have second gen medications now. These newer medications are more effective. Example: Zyrtec (generic name: cetirizine)

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cetirizine

Hope she feels better soon!

I agree with your point that’s it’s incredibly frustrating that the one being wronged has to keep their composure. I wish this wasn’t the case.

Oh, I see. Enjoy your CA roadtrip! I deleted my other comment.

deleted by creator

First - great job!

Take some time to recognize that you did well, even without practicing beforehand. You realized something shady was going on and got yourself safely out of there. You took action when you needed it most.

Ok, now to your questions.

You always want to check around you:

1. What are your exits? Can you get to your car?
2. Are there other people around who can help you?
3. Are there any other threats? (Is there another man coming up behind you?)
4. Do you have cell service to call police?

Once you have those questions answered, you can decide what you want to do.

-Sometimes, the answer is to leave immediately.

-Sometimes, you can go hang out with other people at the park and pretend to know them. Just tell them you’re scared of the guy watching you, pretend laugh for a couple minutes with them, and hopefully he leaves. If he doesn’t, then you can still leave, but he “knows” you were just with “friends.” You can even ask them to walk with you to the exit.

-Sometimes, the answer is to call a taxi so the guy can’t see what car you get into, and come back later for your car.

-Sometimes (as long as there are other people in the park), the answer is to confront him (from a distance). “Why do you keep looking at me? It’s weird.” Or, “Stop looking at me.” Or, “Fuck off.”

If you’re a woman, this isn’t the last time you’ll have an encounter with a guy like this.

In the future, recommend going with a friend or a dog if you can. Or, try to meet up with a local yoga group at the park (or start one!).

Final note - you didn’t deserve this. You deserve to be safe doing any activity in any clothing in any area. I’m sorry that wasn’t your experience. Sending you hugs.

Edit: One other option I forgot - Situation permitting, get evidence. Take a picture and/or video as you walk away. Your priority is still your safety, but getting evidence is helpful too so that you can identify the person later on (and also back up your story when it’s questioned because #america).