A strange reason for anxiety

Yes, @WideWhale320, lots of things like this make me anxious.

The situation about how that bike came to be sold is quite disconcerting, that's for sure, although had it been me, I'd expect I'd be a bit more careful of an item of my own that was that expensive to be honest - let the service person know I was leaving it there, put a 'not for sale' sign on it if I went there often, stuff like that.

My work history exposed me to things that many people wouldn't even think about, so there are things I do wonder about and plan for that others wouldn't.

I'm a great believer in positive thinking, but not to the detriment of planning for potential negative occurences. Some of the things that cause me anxiety do stop me from going to various places, and maybe I shouldn't let them.

Denying the possibility of something peculiar occuring doesn't mean it won't happen, but preparing for the possibility of some things like those incidents you mention, can reduce the anxieties and allow me to do more than I might otherwise do.

With the walking frame, I'm on a path that means I will need one one day, I've already thought of having a way to tether it somehow - like a ribbon and hook it to the coathanger hook in the change room.

I won't sit my handbag on the floor in a public toilet and am careful to hang it from a handle or hanger that cannot be reached from over or under the door, or short walls.

Yep, I'm a bit different, there's no doubt about that. I do carry a number of small, unusual things for many different potential uses in my handbag.

My suggestion if you find these thoughts worrying you overly, figure out a creative way to thwart the possibility, no matter how silly it might seem, it will begin to give you some peace of mind to have found a potentally workable solution.

I like your signature too, soft darkness can be so calm and safe sometimes.

Thanks @Former-Member. After my incident, I have considered making up a "Not for sale" sign for my walker, but I do worry that someone will just remove the sign and take it anyway! I hadn't thought of tethering it to inside the change room either - I might work out how I would be able to do that as well. I'm just glad that it worked out well for me.

The guy with the bike did tell a staff member he was leaving it at the entrance to the store, and they said that's okay, but they mustn't have told other staff, or maybe they misunderstood.

I always put my handbag between my feet when I'm in a public toilet - anyone could reach over the door! I always try and be aware of my surroundings, and I guess this story has made me more aware of what I can do, to make sure my walker isn't taken by accident.

I do tend to let panic and anxiety completely overwhelm me in the moment, and then later, when I reflect, I think about how I could have managed it. Thank you for reminding me to find ways to manage it before it gets out of control.

Good to hear some suggestions might help to feel more at ease when you're out @WideWhale320. Glad to be of help, and you're very welcome.