Mama Didn’t Raise No Fool!!

I have a few rules when I blog. I don’t write about relationships, or crushes, or dates. I also don’t write about work. Not because I don’t find these topics interesting… it’s just when I started my Tumblr I decided to keep these conversations for my friends/family who I see and talk to day-to-day. I actually love reading Tumblrs with personal, thoughtfully posted info, it’s just a decision I’ve made that’s worked for me. Well, I’m about to break my rule…  

A few weeks ago I received a strange, but intriguing anonymous email from a guy who claimed to have come across my blog via another blog via another blog.  He said had a “ridiculous and petty” crush on me (petty?) and that he couldn’t reveal himself (I thought maybe because he had a girlfriend or something). He said he had passed along my blog to several of his single NYC friends so that maybe “he could live vicariously through them.” Okay, weird, but whatever. He then proceeded to write me some more always signing off with enigmatic signatures. In his second email, he absolutely resolved not to reveal himself I decided to ignore all emails moving forward with the hope that he would back off. It was a weird game that I didn’t want to play. That didn’t happen though.

Over the weekend I received a “you’re cute/ I’m intrigued” email on MySpace signed by “c.” He claimed he myspace stalked his sister’s boyfriends and liked to threaten them with a bludgeoning. I ignored again for various reasons—one being that he used “bludgeoning” in an introductory email.  

While at work today, I received an IM by a stranger claiming that he somehow had my IM on his merged list. He mentioned a client that I worked on and that he had worked on that project too. I entertained his IMs briefly, although his screen name didn’t ring a bell. Plus, I’m always pleasant to professional contacts, it’s what makes me professional. However, once he gave away a few pieces of personal info, I was able to connect the dots. I’m a smart girl who knows how to use Google too.

Basically, I discovered that this guy was the same guy who emailed me on MySpace. I also verified that there was absolutely no work connection and that he made it up. Did he think I wouldn’t figure it out? It took me like 5 seconds. I don’t have my IM listed anywhere, but it is a fairly easy one to guess, which he did with success. Also, I know I have unique name and am all over the Internet – I just didn’t think that some guy would use it to deceive me! A good reminder that it happens!  

And you know what, this isn’t even the creepiest part about the whole story… that was unveiled after I had emailed my friends about the strange IMs and the connection I had made to the MySpace email. After I revealed his identity, I got an instant response from one of my friends who happens to be a Tumblr— “THIS IS (REDACTED) THAT I WENT ON A DATE WITH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOD. he is creepy.”  

Oh, it is making sense now… this guy found me through my friend’s Tumblr. I should also mention that he’s seriously harassing my friend with weird text/email messages. So, the combination of it all is pretty messed up and immature.  

I actually really like getting email from normal, down-to-earth dudes who have thoughtful, interesting things to say. One of the things I love about Tumblr is all the friends I’ve made through all this crazy banter. That said, though, I hope this story serves as a warning… it did for me. Although, I don’t really know what I could do differently because I pretty much ignored him from the get go.

And as for “Electronic Mystery Man,” now that I know who you are, I got to say your approach sucks. Don’t expect a date anytime EVER. Also, please leave other Tumblr ladies alone. And to the good guys, I hope you have my back!