I grew up in a very small town in metro Detroit. Back in 2006 when I was 16(F) I would take my family dog for a walk everyday. He was a Portuguese Water Dog and often people would stop and ask what type of dog he was.
This particular time an older man, probably late 40s/early 50s in of course a WHITE VAN pulled up next to me and asked what type of dog he was. I kindly told him "oh he's a Portuguese Water Dog" not at all surprised by the question but then he proceeded to try to converse in small talk. As I would answer I noticed that he wasn't paying attention to anything I was saying and was almost "undressing me with his eyes". He had a look in his eyes almost like he was getting ready to pounce. I don't know how else to explain it but to this day, no one has ever looked at me like that.
That's when alarm bells went off to get the fuck away from him. I literally turned around mid sentence and started quickly walking into the park that was directly to my left since I knew he wouldn't be able to follow me unless he got out of his van. As I walked away from him he shouted "hey where are you going!?". I pretended to not hear him. My mom ingrained in my head to always trust my gut and if something seems wrong, it probably is. Something about this guy really creeped me out and I still can't forget the look he gave me.
I've tried searching for kidnappers/serial killers who drove white vans in 2006 in Oakland County Michigan but still haven't found anything. I often think about what could've happened if I would've fallen into the whole idea of always being polite that women are forced to think.
Let this be a reminder to parents to tell your daughters it's ok to be rude if something doesn't feel right. Trust your gut and stay alive!