This is why you don't pepper spray someone unless they actually try and attack you. Get prepared if you want, but look what happens when you assume stuff. For all you know he might have just been heading the same way as you.

He was following you but he made no attempt to call out to you?

Someone just lost their weapon owning privileges.

Lena, I'm thankful that you do not have concealed carry.

I'm tired of living in a world where everyone treats me as a potential rapist because I have a penis. I would have thrown your keys in the sewer and charged you with assault.

That is unprovoked assault, and a serious thing. If he happened to be allergic to the thing - like for instance my mother is -, you could have even killed him. There are also some people who use pepper sprays for muggings, so being unexpectedly attacked, he would have had every reason and right to retaliate. It is very easy to zone out and accidentally catch up with someone, especially when you are a fast walker and just focused on getting home. 'Seemed to be following me' is not an excuse to use an actual weapon on someone - you have a voice for asking questions with, for one. Have the spray in hand if you need to, but don't pull the trigger unless you are absolutely certain.

some people shouldn't be allowed to have access to pepper spray

so when you tell your kids how you met, it will be with a devious smile

you're probably one of those girls that thinks a guy must be hitting on her if he asks her for a pencil

sounds more like a big **** his life, lol

Just like a gun, or a knife, please learn how and when to safely use pepper spray before carrying it. You have a right to defend yourself, you have a responsibility to keep from harming others who are not a threat to anyone.

spray first and ask questions later