Message removed but thank you.

elljay

I feel really silly posting this but would like to have some advice

...main message deleted but I am very grateful for the advice and help given.

EJ

whitewing

I would definitely ring the National Stalking Helpline for advice.

It is not silly to feel uncomfortable about the situation and they will have experience of similar matters.

http://www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/Category/national-stalking-helpline

paddy's_mum

There is a strong element of making yourself safer if you tell your family what's going on. If nothing else, they will be forewarned and therefore forearmed to turn away any enquiry if he does go so far as to contact them.

Depending on the nature of them, the MH issues would concern me enough that I would be making quiet approaches to my local police so that they also are in the picture.

The guy is probably just lonely but as you are clearly worried and uneasy, the issue needs to be looked at for your own peace of mind. Good luck.

amistupid

elljay wrote: »

He's an ex boyfriend from nearly 50 yrs ago and must by now be in his mid 60s, the same as me.

Wow you must have been a babe.

I'm over sixty and can't even remember my wife's birthday.

Kynthia

I really wouldn't reply. Any response will feed his stalking. As others have said warn family and friends so they know not to give out your details or whereabouts. Then see what, if anything happens. If something does then you go from there about getting advice or having someone official have a word with him.

Alikay

I'm a great one for taking heed of your intuition, so if, knowing the individual, what he actually wrote to you, and the nature of your relationship back in your teens makes you worried for your safety, I'd take things further and contact the police or the stalking helpline.

If, however, you just think he's lonely and maybe trying to rekindle a relationship which is long dead and buried, I'd firmly close him down with a quick polite email saying that you wish him well, but you've moved on a long time ago and have no wish to revisit that part of your history.

hazyjo

I had an ex once who decided he wasn't happy about being dumped so hassled me for a while. Sent rude insulting things to my work email knowing IT and filing would see, rung throughout the night, then sent a very threatening 'poem' signed 'The Grim Reaper' saying something about me taking my last breath at midnight and something about fire. I went straight to the police and they sent someone to his work.


He did get in touch briefly via my website, but that's the last I've heard. I made sure I blocked him on FB and everything in case he's trying to watch everything I do. He's not a threat now, it was a long time ago, but I know he would still check up on me given half the chance.


In your shoes, I'd really go with Alikay above. Go with your intuition as to whether to reply or ignore.


If you do reply, keep it factual and short. He will do his best to engage you in conversation - will either ask questions that you'll feel rude ignoring, or he'll say things that you'll want to defend or explain. Do neither. He'll just be rubbing his hands with glee that you've replied. I'd just say something like 'I'm sorry you still feel that way. I wish you well in the future.'


I had another BF who used to email every year or so trying to get me to meet up. I'd obviously say no, and he'd really try to lay the guilt on me. I just got sick of it and said not to contact me again. They're very good at twisting these, those sorts of people.
Jx

System

Don't fuel it...by responding you are effectively encouraging further conversation, which by the sound of it, you are not comfortable with. Ignore and keep a log.

elljay

Thank you so much everyone, all advice and support very gratefully received. I will talk things over with Suzy Lamplugh Trust, I had no idea they dealt with this. Sad that others have experienced the same thing but hope it works out ok for everyone. I have been so trusting of having my details so publicly available but obviously it can come back to bite you.

Thanks again

EJ

Peter333

Hope it all works out OK Elljay. If I were you, I would tell him to go away and not bother you again, delete/change your email address, and tell the police if he gets worse.