When trying to win over a love interest, the best thing to do is just be yourself.
But sometimes you have to take a step back and think about how your actions might come across to the other person.
A woman has been left spooked after a complete stranger sent her a text message after getting her number from her dog's collar.
Speaking to Reddit, the woman explained how she was exercising her pet in the park when a man came over to stroke her dog.
After a quick chat, they both went their separate ways, with the woman thinking no more about the interaction.
But later that day, she received a text message from the man inviting her to meet up sometime.
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He wrote: "Hey, I got your phone number from your dog's collar. Thanks for letting me pet her. We should hang out."
Uninterested in his invitation, the woman decided against messaging back.
However, about five hours later, he followed it up with two more messages - but this time slammed her for ignoring him.
He continued: "Hello?
"Why do you even have your number on her collar if you don't want people to text you? What the f***? Such a tease."
Sharing the interaction online, the woman wrote: "Is this a thing?" alongside a screenshot of the texts.
People branded the man a "next level creep" for contacting her after a "meaningless" interaction in the park.
One user said: "This is some really weird s***. People need to take a step back and recognise how weird they are sometimes.
"Maybe they have their number on the collar because they want someone finding a potentially lost pet to be able to contact them. Idiot."
Another user said; "Creepy and dangerous. I had a guy get my phone number when listening to me give it to a receptionist.
"He texted me. I responded with I am married, sorry.
"Big mistake. He proceeded to stalk me via the phone day and night calling and texting me.
"When I blocked his number he used another again and again. This went on for months.
"I am just glad back then that you couldn't easily find my address with my number Today you can. I am so glad you didn't respond. Stay safe."
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
