“Thanks for the offer, but I’m planning to call my mom as I walk home so I’ll just go by myself, but I can text you when I’m home so you know I’m safe.”

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is he walking you home for safety reasons? He probably feels responsible.

“I would like to walk home alone to decompress.”

OP here. So you don’t think that’s rude? It’s okay to just say that?

It's a little rude but not too bad. Better that you end the hang out before you lose tolerance of him and let him walk you home.

Did you grow up in Mayberry? You shouldn't walk alone at night. It's not safe. That's why he is offering and he is right to do so. If you dont want him walking you home, take an uber.

Just tell him, I am good thanks. Appreciate the offer but I’ve got it from here and then say have a good night and walk away.

I walk home at night all the time. I used to go for a run at night. It’s a beautiful and relaxing time to be outdoors

Anonymous wrote:Also don’t walk towards your home while he is with you. Stand still facing him to say good bye. Only start moving once he has agreed to separate.

This seems kind of aggressive.

Anonymous wrote:Do you live in a crap neighborhood that it’s not safe to walk alone?

If you don’t wan’t him walking you home, why are you hanging out with him?

She said in the OP that he’s a bit much after awhile. I definitely have people I like hanging out with very much but would hit my limit and not want them walking me home.

Do you live in a crap neighborhood that it’s not safe to walk alone?

If you don’t wan’t him walking you home, why are you hanging out with him?

I was going to suggest using that time to speak to a friend on the phone.

You just tell him, for heaven’s sake. When he offers to walk you home, instead of saying it’s not necessary, you say, “I would actually rather walk home by myself tonight, but thank you for offering.”

Anonymous wrote:"Thanks for the offer, I appreciate it, but I really enjoy having a little time to myself before getting home."

I like this one best.

Smile after you say it, give him a hug if that’s something you usually do, and then start walking. Hesitating will make it awkward.

Anonymous wrote:I don’t care how nice a neighborhood you live in but if it’s after dark let him walk you home. If we have a female neighbor over my husband will always walk her home even if it’s only a couple of streets away. Yes, women are independent and can take care of themselves but…….

Np, I agree with this. Maybe because I am a late Gen Xer, but I like chivalry from men-- even men who are just friends. I think it's super sweet that he cares about your safety.

"I'm very fond of walking (by myself)" -- Elizabeth Bennett to Mr. Darcy.

OP, the key is to be clear and consistent.

He might have his own reasons for pushing the point or for not understanding what you mean -- whether it's a confused sense of being a gentleman (despite your expressed wishes), or romantic interest, or a difference in how you assess risk, whatever.

Doesn't matter. This is your decision to make, not his. You need to phrase it in terms of "I'm walking home alone now," not "I want to" or "I think I should." Go ahead and give the reason that makes sense and feels natural to you, but if he doesn't respect it, be clear. "I'm going home alone, Larlo. Thank you for a pleasant night, but this isn't up for discussion. Looking forward to the next time. Have a good night," or something like that.

Clear and consistent.

Also don’t walk towards your home while he is with you. Stand still facing him to say good bye. Only start moving once he has agreed to separate.

He may be a bit much, but at least he’s a gentleman. If he makes any effort to get you to invite him in, he’s not.