Yesterday, during my commute to work, I stopped by Rouses grocery store, only to run into someone I hoped I’d never see again—an old coach from my previous job. Before I could even register what was happening, he had already locked eyes with me, grinning like we were long-lost friends.
“How you been, buddy?” he said, pulling me into a one-armed hug before I could react.
I responded politely, but inside, I was disgusted.
This wasn’t just some former coworker I barely remembered. This man had been a persistent, intrusive presence in my life for years, always too familiar, too persistent, and way too handsy.
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The First Encounter (2015) – The Boot Camp Trap
I first met him in 2015 when he approached me, claiming to be a personal trainer running a boot camp at City Park. He gave me a full rundown of his schedule, trying to convince me to join. Just to get him off my back, I gave him my number, pretending I might consider it.
But before I could walk away, he pulled me into a hug—then touched my butt.
That was my first red flag. I never showed up to his workouts.
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The Second Encounter (2020) – The Memory That Should Have Faded
Years later, I was working downtown when I ran into him again.
“Oh man, I know you from somewhere!” he said.
I played dumb. “I don’t recall.”
But of course, that didn’t stop him. He immediately brought up his personal training again, trying to get me involved. This time, I shut it down firmly. No excuses, just a direct no.
Still, he didn’t take the hint. He had this pattern—constantly trying to recruit men for his “workouts,” always inserting himself into personal space, touching shoulders and backs like he had permission.
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The Invasion of Personal Space – The Spine Touch Attempt
Once, in a casual conversation, I mentioned having back issues, thinking it would make him stop asking about workouts.
Big mistake.
Without hesitation, he reached out to touch my lower spine.
I immediately stepped back, making it clear he was not about to lay hands on me. That moment confirmed what I already knew—this man had zero respect for personal boundaries.
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The Fake Phone Call
One day, as I walked down the hall at work, he stopped me.
“Hey, I just got off the phone with you!” he said.
I froze.
I had never spoken to this man on the phone. Ever.
Turns out, he had confused me with someone else, but the way he acted—like we were in regular contact—made my skin crawl. And of course, he pivoted right back to talking about workouts.
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The Bench Press “Test”
One of the last encounters before I started avoiding him completely, he stopped me to demonstrate a stretch. He leaned on a bench, extended his legs, and then said:
“Now you do it.”
I reminded him—again—that I had back issues. But then he hit me with the creepiest line yet:
“I just wanted to see if I could put my weight on you.”
Excuse me?!
That was the final straw. From then on, I actively avoided him. But no matter where I was—on break, leaving work, even at the bus stop—this man had a way of showing up.
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The Rouses Encounter (2025) – The Nightmare Continues
Fast forward to now. New job, new environment—same problem.
I thought I was done with him, but now he works at a store I actually frequent.
Of all places, why here?
As soon as he spotted me, it was the same routine. Big smile, overly familiar tone, invading personal space. And, as expected:
“You still available to work out?”
I hit him with my standard response: “No. My schedule is packed.”
That should’ve ended the conversation. But then I noticed—he pulls this same act with other guys at work. And the weirdest part? Some of them actually go along with it.
At this point, I’m starting to think… maybe he’s not just recruiting for workouts. Maybe this is his way of feeling people out.
And listen—do you, sir. But why does your version of “doing you” involve being all touchy-feely with me?
I’m seriously considering avoiding that store altogether. Part of me even wants to report him, but at the same time, I don’t want that kind of blood on my hands.
I just really, really wish I had never run into him again.
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