Not Your Typical Horror Story: 50 True Stories of Women Who Gave Men the Heebie-Jeebies

Picture going on a first date and being asked whether you have life insurance. Or discovering a partner hacked your phone and read your messages.

Creepy behavior isn’t exclusive to one gender. While we often hear about men crossing lines, women can also act in ways that send chills down someone’s spine.

Someone once asked, “Guys, what’s the creepiest thing a girl said or did to you?” and the responses were far from subtle. Many of these stories sound like they were pulled straight from a psychological thriller.

Creepiness can be subtle or extreme. It can appear in a glance, a word, or an action that makes someone feel unsafe or uneasy.

What makes behavior “creepy” often comes down to how it affects the person on the receiving end. People notice when their personal space is violated, when boundaries are ignored, or when interactions leave them anxious.

Psychotherapist Duygu Balan explains that creepiness isn’t just social awkwardness. It’s about undermining trust, autonomy, or a sense of safety, which can make someone feel intimidated.

Sometimes creepiness is obvious from the start, while other times it emerges slowly, creeping into situations when you least expect it. But Balan says there are warning signs to watch for, regardless of gender.

The first red flag is a lack of respect for personal space. If someone closes distance without consent or touches you despite clear signs of discomfort, it’s time to take notice.

Eye contact can also be a giveaway. Creepy staring may involve an intense, unblinking gaze or looking away entirely, leaving the target unsettled and anxious.

Another warning sign is disregard for feelings. A person who ignores discomfort, dominates conversation, or pushes their own agenda can quickly make interactions stressful.

Exploiting social niceties is a common tactic. Manipulative compliments, interruptions, and one-sided conversations can all signal that someone is not considering your comfort.

Tone of voice and humor may also feel off. Creepy individuals often speak too loudly or too softly, make inappropriate jokes, or use passive-aggressive comments that put others on edge.

Social isolation and awkwardness are often part of the package. People who struggle with social skills, lack meaningful connections, or behave unusually toward strangers may exhibit creepy tendencies.

Finally, some creeps seem to take pleasure in discomfort. They may push boundaries deliberately, escalate conversations to taboo topics, or provoke negative reactions just to elicit attention.

Creepiness can take many forms, and it isn’t limited to men. By paying attention to personal space, body language, and social cues, it’s possible to spot the warning signs before it escalates.

1. "You can't break up with me without my permission."

anon

2. "We could have raised ostriches in the future."

RodrigoEMA1983

3. Yikes.

First date, asked if I had life insurance.BeastyBaiter, Mikhail Nilov/Pexels

Understanding Creepy Behavior

Dr. Susan David, a renowned psychologist, emphasizes that creepy behavior often stems from unresolved emotional issues. Individuals may exhibit such behavior as a means of seeking validation or control. In many cases, these actions can be traced back to childhood experiences that shaped their interpersonal interactions.

Dr. David's research highlights the importance of self-awareness and understanding one's motivations as crucial steps in mitigating such behaviors. By addressing underlying emotional needs, individuals can learn healthier ways to connect with others.

4. Promptly ghosted.

5meterhammer

5. She filmed me.

Filmed me without my consent the first time we fooled around.Akiram, Torsten Dettlaff/Pexels

6. Gotta love double standards.

I have a female coworker who kept following me around and not respecting my boundaries. She once came into the men's washroom while I was on the toilet and didn't leave even after I asked her to.I went to HR to have her held accountable for harassment but they said she apologized, so it was ok. I still have to work with her. Side note I asked HR what would happen if the roles were reversed, and they said I would be fired, and most likely, the police would be involved. Love the double standards.deep_space_rhyme, Maya Ali/Pexels

Relationship expert Dr. John Gottman notes that communication styles can often lead to misunderstandings and perceived creepiness. He emphasizes that the way someone expresses affection or interest can be misconstrued, especially if it deviates from social norms. For example, overenthusiastic or aggressive expressions of interest might make someone feel uncomfortable.

Dr. Gottman suggests that open communication about personal boundaries can help clarify intentions and reduce awkward situations. Practicing active listening and confirming mutual feelings can foster healthier interactions.

7. "You're really expensive to stalk."

"You're really expensive to stalk" -- As I delivered pizza to their apartment :/.Rekayo, Mizuno K/Pexels

8. "You can't leave!"

Met a girl at a bar and we ended up back at her place. We fell asleep. She seemed normal all night, and I saw no red flags at all. I definitely would have dated her again, until she went crazy. I woke up around 5am and started getting dressed to leave. I had to get home and get ready for work. She woke up while I was dressing and totally freaked out. She was screaming, angrily "YOU CAN'T LEAVE!!" I explained I needed to go to work, and that I'd call her later. She was having none of that. Then she attacked. I literally had to physically fight my way out of her apartment, with a few scratches on my arm for souvenirs. I have no idea what her deal was, and I never went back to the bar I met her in.anon ,Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

9. "I was dying with cringe inside."

lickmyfeet14

The Role of Social Norms

According to Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist, societal norms play a significant role in shaping perceptions of creepiness. What might be considered normal behavior in one culture could be viewed as alarming in another. Fisher's research indicates that understanding these cultural differences is vital for navigating romantic interactions.

She advocates for mindfulness in social contexts, encouraging individuals to educate themselves about varying cultural expectations. By recognizing and respecting these differences, people can foster more comfortable and genuine connections.

10. She interrogated my past girlfriends.

Went through my phone and contacted some of my past girlfriends. Then was interrogating me about them catching me in differences from what I was saying and what she was told. Not trying to hide anything it was more of the fact of her actually sinking in my phone and then actually contacting these people she's never met and asking questions about me and them. First off I find that to be embarrassing. Second, who the heck does that especially the people they don't know and someone they're in a relationship with and still trying to impress.TheRinkieDink905, mikoto.raw Photographer/Pexels

11. She was 'testing' me.

AncientAlienQuestion

12. She said she wanted to scoop my eyes out.

Had a gf that used to say this about twice a month... "oooh i love your eyes so much, sometimes i just want to scoop them out with a spoon and put them in a jar."delnoob, George Milton/Pexels

A clinical psychologist explains that anxiety can intensify certain behaviors, leading individuals to come off as creepy unintentionally. For example, those with social anxiety may overanalyze their interactions, resulting in awkwardness. Understanding this connection can help individuals manage their responses in social situations.

Therapists recommend techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address social anxiety. Practicing relaxation techniques and gradual exposure to social settings can improve confidence and reduce misunderstandings related to perceived creepiness.

13. She was watching me sleep.

Probably not as exciting as most here, but still super weird. I was staying at my friend's house, sleeping in his guest room. Friend is at work, his girlfriend is at home. One thing about this room is that it has a very heavy door that has to be held open by something super heavy or else it slams shut. Well I sleep with the door closed. I wake up in the morning and as I do every morning, I laid there for a bit longer before actually getting out of bed. Well this time all of a sudden I see the door open. The light is still off but the hallway light being on means I can see if someone's standing in the doorway. I have my eyes kind of open and I can see that she's just standing there in the doorway, staring at me. I didn't move. I wanted to see what would happen because this was thoroughly freaking me out. She just stood there. For at least 10 minutes. Didn't look away, didn't walk around the room. I was laying at a weird angle where I could see her perfectly, she could see me, but she couldn't see that my eyes were half open. I thought she may have been in there to grab something because there's a bunch of stuff in the closet, clothes and such. Nope. 10 minutes I waited for her to do something or to walk out. Finally I flinched and feigned waking up and I heard her run out and the door SLAM. I got up, went into the kitchen and she was as bubbly as could be, acting like nothing happened. Acting like she didn't just spend 10 minutes watching me sleep.anon, Ron Lach/Pexels

14. She recorded me "discreetly."

“Discreetly” recorded me at the gym while I was working out.AggravatingSuit6450, Andres Ayrton/Pexels

15. She introduced herself as my girlfriend.

Rude_Independence_14

Setting Healthy Boundaries

Dr. Brene Brown, a leading researcher on vulnerability, emphasizes the importance of boundaries in relationships. She notes that establishing clear boundaries can prevent misunderstandings and feelings of discomfort. When someone feels their space is invaded or their feelings are disregarded, it can lead to a perception of creepiness.

Brown advises individuals to express their boundaries openly and assertively. This approach not only protects personal space but also encourages mutual respect and understanding, ultimately fostering healthier relationships.

16. She asked me to go on vacation with her.

She had only worked at the pub for a month. We barely knew each other. I worked in the dish pit and on the line, she worked as a server. She frequently commented on how I looked, how hard I worked, and how healthy I was. One day, she came up to me and said: "Hey, I bought two tickets to cancun for a week, but my friend said that they are suddenly unable to make it! Do you want to take a break from this place and go on a vacation?" I told her I'd think about it. The other cooks on the line said she was either into me OR (more likely) she was going to harvest my organs on the vacation. I didn't go on the vacation with her, and she disappeared from the pub soon afterwards.Nhobdy

17. "You'll always remember me."

Cut off all of her pubes. Put them in between layers of scotch tape. Crammed them in an envelope with a pair of her used panties and put the envelope under my windshield wiper. There was a note. Read something like, "I know we can't be together, but now you'll always remember me." She was right.jonuggs, Alena Darmel/Pexels

18. What?!

"Sometimes I fart thinking about you." What.BryanLoeher, Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

Research by Dr. Robert Cialdini, a social psychologist, suggests that the principle of reciprocity plays a significant role in interpersonal interactions. When one person displays creepy behavior, it often triggers a defensive response in the other, escalating discomfort. Understanding this dynamic can help individuals navigate social interactions more effectively.

To improve these situations, Cialdini recommends fostering environments that promote mutual respect and understanding. Engaging in collaborative activities and open discussions can create a sense of safety, reducing the likelihood of creepy encounters.

19. "We're gonna get married aren't we?"

terenn_nash

20. Good to know.

A girlfriend once told me how much you have to trust someone to sleep next to them, because it would be so easy to suffocate someone in that position.Twineball, Ron Lach/Pexels

21. She used a burner phone app.

A week after I broke up with her, and blocking her everywhere I could, she got a burn phone app and pretended to be a women’s health care company to text me to let me know that she was “pregnant.”FourthandForever, SHVETS production/Pexels

Emotional Intelligence in Relationships

Dr. Daniel Goleman, a psychologist and author of 'Emotional Intelligence,' argues that heightened emotional awareness can significantly reduce instances of creepy behavior. Understanding one's emotional triggers and those of others leads to more empathetic interactions.

Goleman emphasizes practicing self-regulation and empathy as tools to navigate social situations more effectively. By being attuned to how others might perceive their actions, individuals can adapt their behaviors to create more positive and constructive interactions.

22. Daddy issues.

After doing stuff she told me I looked and reminded her of her dad.carleezy89, Anastasia Shuraeva/Pexels

23. She was in her 50s, I was 14.

Me, when she was in her 50s, when I was 14.MoonShotDontStop, cottonbro studio/Pexels

24. "So, can I pop your cherry sometime?"

littlebear_23

Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, a psychologist known for her work on positive psychology, highlights that fostering positive emotions can counteract creepiness in social interactions. When people approach conversations with warmth and openness, it encourages reciprocal positive responses.

She recommends engaging in practices that enhance emotional well-being, such as gratitude exercises and mindfulness. By cultivating an atmosphere of positivity, individuals can create more comfortable interactions, reducing the likelihood of negative perceptions.

25. "Boy, your momma raised you right."

I’ve told this before. Little after I turned 21 I was at the bar with some friends. Shooting pool enjoying a beer.This group of rough looking 45+yr women come in. They slowly make their way over to the same side of the bar. We keep minding our business having fun. I’m standing at the end of the table. When I feel a hand slide down the back of my pants and boxers and grab my bum. Then she screeched out loud. Boy your momma raised you right. Then walks back to her friends all proud. The bartender kicked them out shortly after. My buddies were cool. They don’t give me tease about it. We were all just like what. I’ve never groped some random person like that. I’m sorry to all the women who get groped like that. It completely catches you off guard. It’s meant to be a compliment. But just makes you feel used and revolting.anon, RDNE Stock project/Pexels

26. We were never a couple.

Told me that she wished she could die like my fiance did so that I would love her...we had never been a couple.Iron_Exile, Olena Bohovyk/Pexels

27. "I got roofied by a girl."

Mountain_Ratio_2871

The Impact of Technology

Dr. Sherry Turkle, a sociologist and psychologist, notes that technology has transformed the way we connect with others. While it can facilitate communication, it can also create misunderstandings or feelings of unease. For instance, persistent messaging can come off as invasive.

Turkle advocates for setting digital boundaries, such as limiting how often we check messages or respond immediately. This practice not only protects personal space but also encourages healthier, more intentional interactions.

28. She tried to choke me.

takenwithapotato

29. What did the fish do to her?

anon

30. She said I was cuter when I was asleep."

anon

A social psychologist from Harvard explains that the context of interactions can greatly influence perceptions of creepiness. For instance, a seemingly harmless compliment can be seen as threatening if delivered in an inappropriate context. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for navigating social situations.

To avoid misunderstandings, experts recommend being mindful of the context in which we communicate. Engaging in conversations in neutral settings and observing social cues can help mitigate awkwardness and improve interaction quality.

31. She wanted to lick my eye ball.

die_monster_

32. "She tried making moves on my younger sister."

My ex was bisexual and at a party she tried making moves on my younger sister (who was only 15 at the time, ex was 17) and touching her without permission. I got angry and told her to stop, and so the party ended soon after that. A week later not only did she not apologise, she tried to organise a meetup involving both me and my sister along with a few friends, so I told her I don't want her near me or my sister again. This made her so angry she called me on the phone and told me she had a knife and if I keep acting this way she'll use it, she also said she was on the way to my house right now. I was freaking out at this point, but I was hoping she was just bluffing, however sure enough 20 minutes later she arrived right outside my door. I texted her saying I wasn't going to let her in, but she kept ringing the doorbell constantly, I texted her again and again to go away before eventually saying after a few minutes that I would call the cops if she didn't leave right now, this finally got her to leave. Luckily, I haven't seen her since.EB_KILLA, Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels

33. "She offered me money."

My local vet is a middle aged woman. She always seemed really caring and lovely. Never had a problem with her but then she started texting me late at night asking me to get coffee with her. She said I reminded her of her sons who lived far away. I blocked her number when she offered me money. I got a super creepy vibe from the wording she used. The night I blocked her my power went out unexpectedly at about midnight. For a moment I was absolutely terrified that she had cut my power and was about to come in but it turned out the whole neighborhood had gone dark.heatbegonebooties, Ron Lach/Pexels

Developing Communication Skills

Dr. Chris Argyris emphasizes the importance of effective communication skills in promoting healthy relationships. He notes that many creepy interactions arise from miscommunication or assumptions. Learning to articulate thoughts and feelings clearly can help prevent misunderstandings.

Argyris suggests practicing assertiveness and active listening in social settings. These skills foster a sense of safety and openness, allowing individuals to express themselves without crossing boundaries.

34. She said she cast a spell on me.

An ex I never really wanted to be with told me that she went to a witch doctor or something and cast a spell to get me to date her.lumberjackpat19, Joy Marino/Pexels

35. "She was an absolute train wreck."

Begged me to go to her house which was 350 miles away while she was on her period because she couldn't take the pain. Note, we'd only been talking for 2 days at that point, and I ended things on day 6 because she was an absolute train wreck.Necessary_Team1217, RDNE Stock project/Pexels

36. She said, "I smelled fast like a rocket ship."

ibmuser

Dr. Judith Orloff, a psychiatrist, emphasizes the role of intuition in identifying creepy behavior. She encourages individuals to trust their gut feelings when something feels off in a social interaction. Recognizing these instincts can help people protect themselves from potentially harmful situations.

Orloff suggests practicing mindfulness to enhance self-awareness. By tuning into one's feelings, individuals can improve their ability to navigate social dynamics confidently and safely.

37. "I’m going to have my IUD removed without telling you."

anarquisteitalianio, Kevin Malik/Pexels

38. She took selfies of us and the gravestone.

Went on a date with this chick we had dinner and chatted. we were taking separate cars to our next activity and She pulled over on the way to whatever it was into a cemetery. I hopped out and walked up to her car to find out what was up. She said, “I LOVE cemeteries!!! Can we go look around?” I was a little weirded out, but she was smokin hot, and I had me LCP in my pocket, so I said sure. We started walking around and she got really close. She asked if I was familiar with this cemetery and I told her my father was buried there. She responded “Oh my , let’s go see him!” I was way weirded out, but at this point I was super curious where this was going to go. We walked up to his tombstone and stood there for what felt like a really long time. She held me tightly and started running her hands down my back. She then pivoted sideways and took some selfies of us and the gravestone. It felt like someone was about to knock me out and harvest my organs or something so I started saying “look at the time. Sheesh. It’s been fun but I gotta work in the am.” I walked back to my car and quickly drove home and just sat in the driveway just processing the weirdness of the evening. She was a sweet, but quirky woman that had a curly haired Morticia Adam’s vibe going on. She sent me an acapella song of her singing about me being painted into her dreams. The next day I saw that she posted the pictures that she took of the grave on social media saying we went to visit someone special last night. I cannot explain how that made me feel, it was a combination of nauseous and violated. I called her and asked her to take them down. She meant it as a sweet gesture but it tooooootallly weirded me out. She said she didn’t think that I minded her taking my picture. I didn’t until I saw it and got super weirded out. That was such a weird night on so many levels. Edit: PS I was recently divorced and this was one of my first dates in my 40s after being married for almost 20 years.JudgementDog, KoolShooters/Pexels

39. She watched me watch TV at night.

A girl I dated drunkenly admitted at a party years later that she used to stalk me. She would follow me around everywhere I went and would climb the backyard fence and watch me watch tv at night.Dusty-Foot-Phil, Mariana Plozner/Pexels

Creating Safe Spaces

Dr. Linda Hill, a leadership expert, advocates for creating safe spaces in social environments. She argues that when individuals feel secure, they are more likely to engage authentically and express themselves without fear of judgment.

Hill recommends establishing ground rules for communication in group settings. By encouraging respectful dialogue, individuals can foster an environment that minimizes misunderstandings and promotes genuine connections.

40. "She layed out her 1-year plan for us."

varthalon

41. "It was all a lie."

Saw a chick for about 4-5 months. Seemed cool at the beginning. I called it off as I was moving interstate for work. She told me a week later she was pregnant and needed money for appointments and dragged this on for like 3 months. I was freaking out. She worked with my best mate who called the nonsense. He kicked the door of the female toilet in while she was in there and made her take a test there and then. It was all a lie. I love that man. Absolute balls of steel. Backstory: years ago when me and that mate lived together, he was poor on Austudy and I used to pay for his smokes and booze to enjoy his early years. Best investment ever.MrOngor, RDNE Stock project/Pexels

42. "We were only 11."

Zantheus

Experts in gender studies highlight the importance of understanding power dynamics in relationships. Often, what is perceived as creepy behavior may stem from underlying power imbalances. Recognizing these dynamics can help individuals navigate interactions more thoughtfully.

To mitigate these issues, experts suggest fostering egalitarian relationships where both parties feel empowered to express their boundaries. This approach can lead to healthier interactions and reduce feelings of discomfort.

43. "There were pictures of me around her mirror."

I met this girl when I was out one night. She was nice, seemed normal. Went to her house and there was pictures of me around her mirror.louiestarrz, MART PRODUCTION/Pexels

44. She spied on me.

Literally hacked into my phone and spied on me.BeginningFew4825, Mikhail Nilov/Pexels

45. "What a coincidence."

"What a coincidence we both ended up on this training course." When my ex showed up at a training course completely unrelated to her employment in another state which I was attending.Sexymcsexalot, Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

46. She tried ruining my new relationship.

N3WB_Zero

47. It was our first date!

ksozay

48. She took advantage of me.

Took advantage of me when I was blacked out.boreddissident, Ron Lach/Pexels

49. "I could ruin your life."

anon

50. She stuck her finger up my nose.

LazyandRich

Creepy encounters can come from anyone, and sometimes the unexpected stories are the most unsettling. Keep your eyes open and trust your instincts—you never know when someone might cross the line.

Solutions & Coping Strategies

In conclusion, understanding the complexities of interpersonal dynamics is essential in navigating relationships. Experts across various fields emphasize the importance of clear communication, emotional awareness, and respect for personal boundaries. By applying these insights, individuals can foster healthier interactions and reduce instances of behavior that may be perceived as creepy.

Ultimately, cultivating a sense of safety and openness in social environments encourages authentic connections, benefiting everyone involved. As we become more aware of our behaviors and the context in which they occur, we can create a more respectful and understanding culture in our relationships.