Neighbor
I recently moved to a new apartment complex so I dont really know anyone here. The other day my neighbor knocked on my door to introduce himself, he told me he was autistic and that he didnt want me to judge him without knowing. I am a teacher so I understand the characteristics and behaviors of someone with autism. I spoke to him for a few minutes and then he left. About three or four hours later he knocked again and I spoke with him and since I told him I had a bunny he asked if he could see him. I let him come into my apartment to see my bunny and everything seemed fine. But he kept asking me a lot of questions about my life and my dating history and I was kinda uncomfortable so I told him I didnt want to talk about that. He then asked me if I wanted to be his girlfriend to which I replied that I wasnt looking for a relationship right now; which is true, I just moved here. He continued to ask questions and then when I turned to walk into the kitchen, he grabbed me to hug me and then tried to kiss me. I tried to move and tell him to stop hugging me but he wouldnt let go. He kept kissing me, and then was also kissing my neck and wouldnt let his grip ease up. I have really bad anxiety and I started to have a panic attack, and I just froze which confused him, but made him keep hugging me and trying to kiss me. Eventually he let go and I asked him to leave, but he got upset and started yelling, and now he keeps knocking on my door and I dont know what to do. I know and understand that social cues are hard for someone with autism, but I in no way gave off the impression I wanted to kiss him or anyone for that matter. My anxiety triggers bad in any relationship Ive been in so I tend to avoid those situations in general. He had known me for less than a day and was very forward in his approach. I am scared to talk to him again in fear that he will try and kiss me again or grab onto me and not let me go. He knocks on my door constantly and watches when I come and go from the apartment. I dont know what to do or how to approach the situation with him.
@3lli3 That must have been very frightning and I'm sorry that you had to go through that. I realize that I am responding kind of late and I'm wondering how you have been since you posted this thread? Are you still suffering from high levels of anxiety and fear? I really hope that it has been getting easier for you.
If you are still dealing with this neightbor, I would suggest getting the authorities involved. I understand if you are hesitant because he confided that he was autistic but that doesn't mean you need to sacrifice your own wellbeing to accomdate him, especially if he's the one that is blatantly causing you harm. I would suggest looking into getting a restraining order. I'm not sure how that would work for someone who might live so close to you but I think it would still be worth looking into. That way he REALLY gets the hint that you want to be left alone and you won't have to worry about comfronting him yourself.
