Maybe blogging is a little creepy.
My life on the internet.
Anyone can read all about me, my life, and my family.
There have been days where I have questioned if this is a really good plan, or if I should make some crazy alter ego of a woman named Cora who leaves somewhere crazy – so no one knows who I really am behind this made up character.
In the beginning of December I got a call from a new client for massage from my massage association’s website, and Ryan was kind enough to take me and drop me off (which was more to ease his mind I think). The guy was a college aged guy here from Saudi Arabia going to the school for Business. I was massaging him, when he said “I typed you into google and I read all about you. You write articles and you have two dogs.”
I paused.
I meet amazing people all of the time online through blogging, some of the best people I know in fact, but this was my first encounter with a complete stranger in person that seeked me out on the internet. Before I let my mind go in to the “Crazy People File” in my head thanks to too much Law & Order and NCIS, etc. etc. I just took it in.
After going around in circles in my head about if this was as creepy as it sounded, I said “Uh…I’ve never had anyone research me before….do you do that often?” He kind of laughed and said there are so many people that are fake and aren’t who they say they are, so he wanted to make sure I was a legitimate person coming into his home. The fact I had a blog, and he could see that I was a real person, a real massage therapist, etc. etc. was the reason he picked me off of the site.
It made sense then.
I go to people’s homes, and especially men I get a little anxious. In fact, I have considered getting out of this industry since I don’t have the funds for a location for this reason exactly. Maybe if I didn’t watch so many crime shows, I’d be less freaked out, but then again, me watching them makes it a little better considering I’m not as naive.
But it was nice to hear that someone was covering their bases too.
I told Ryan how the guy knew all about me, my life, our dogs, him!, and at first he was a little creeped out.
And even said “Maybe our life on the internet isn’t such a good idea!”
But then I explained that my blog was the reason he chose me as his therapist, because he know I was a genuine person with a genuine life and passion.
But, that did make me wonder what if it wouldn’t have been an innocent search.
…obviously it didn’t make me wonder too much because my life is still all over the internet….
In my opinion you were not overreacting, Kristina. An attractive young woman like you cannot afford to let her guard down. When a stranger offers what seems to be a plausible explanation for researching you it can mask a sinister motive. He might actually be stalking you. Keep in mind that the stories presented on CSI, L&O, Criminal Minds and other crime dramas are often ripped from today’s news headlines. Bad things can and do happen to nice people and we must all keep our radar turned on.
I would have immediately gone to Law & Order and start thinking of ways to “escape” if needed lol. I’m always worried about having my life on the internet, it’s a scary thing putting yourself out there for everyone to see and anyone can type your name in and find all this personal info. and yours is double scary in a way with your type of work.
I try and not stress about it though, because if someone REALLY wants to know something about anyone nowdays if they search hard enough they’ll find it.
I agree with Shady Del Knight- You can’t trust anyone. Growing up and living on my own has made me that paranoid person I always made fun of my mom for being. *Windows and doors locked- double check* *Stove off- double check* *pepper spray in bag- double check*
You just NEVER know!
Creepy!!! I’m glad you are okay.
I just starting blogging and I love having an outlet to share my thoughts. But I have been a little hesitant recently to put myself out there. I haven’t posted any photos of my family, just myself. I’m kind of nervous too :\
Oh my that is really funny!! It is always interesting when I go out scrapbooking in SoCal and I will run into someone who has seen my blog or even follows me. It makes me feel good lol and your awesome so its a good thing he looked you up 🙂
Steph at MCB
I totally wonder that sometimes too. Especially for once I have kids. I don’t want too many people creeping on them…I also watch WAY too many crime shows. Haha.
Maybe I am just totally naive but I don’t think what happened was creepy. I think he was just doing his research and wanted to make sure someone safe was coming into his home. I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt…
However this comes from someone who sleeps in a home protected by a very protective guard dog with a loaded and chambered 9mm next to my bed. I try to be very aware of what I share as far as where I live, pictures of my house, pictures of my friends and their babies… Because I know creepers and maniacs do exist. But I also keep my eyes open and pay attention to what is going on around me as well. I think it is a matter of finding the balance between sharing yourself and sharing too much.
I don’t blame you for being cautious. I’m often reluctant to post pics of my kids or use their real names because I’m afraid of creepy people. I try not to show pictures of the outside of my house so people can’t hunt me down. It probably seems nuts, but I’ve met some oddballs in my time. On the other hand, I want to be forthcoming with my blog so that people can connect with me. It’s hard to know. (then again, I watched an episode of Dollhouse the other night where a sociopath followed people home from the mall – so I guess the whole world is a gamble :p)
I would be cautious and definitely take hubby with me when going to peoples homes you don’t know that well. It is the risk we take I guess when we blog about our lives. Hugs and I hope he tipped well!
I would be cautious and definitely take hubby with me when going to peoples homes you don’t know that well. It is the risk we take I guess when we blog about our lives. Hugs and I hope he tipped well!
I would be creeped out also sharing our lives here online is a risk as Barb said and since she said it twice she really must feel that way…..lol
Life is full of risks and if we didn’t take some risks we would have a pretty sheltered life…….