I was walking home from the store last night; it was dark, but the street was crowded. I noticed a man following me at the same distance from behind. I changed direction, and he turned as well; I speeded up, and he sped up after me. I tried to convince myself it might just be a coincidence, but I struggled to keep calm until I got home because of that tension. Do you think we panic immediately in such situations, or should we really be more careful?
I had a similar experience, I got so uneasy that I ran straight home. But then I noticed the guy lived in the same building. Sometimes people might take the same route for different reasons.
In such a situation, the most logical thing is to head towards the main roads, and if possible, walk in an area with cameras. Also, pretending to call someone on your phone usually makes you feel more secure.
Well, maybe for the guy, the incident was quite innocent. Perhaps he just left the market and is heading in the same direction, but he’s unaware that he’s scared you. But it is a bit strange that he sped up, I don’t know.
Maybe they know you but are hesitant to talk? You know how in shows there are always those types who can’t find a reason to say ‘hello.’ It’s weird but it can happen.
Let’s put aside urban legends. Ensuring personal safety is very important in situations like this. If you’re being followed at the same distance continuously, contacting the police and getting help from those around you, if necessary, is a good step. It feels more than just a coincidence.
There’s this stress that comes from constantly hearing footsteps behind you while you’re walking down the street, you know? It’s something else entirely. You see someone with your eyes, but your mind automatically starts writing a million scenarios 
Our housemate said this one day: ‘Stop a little on the road, act like you’re pulling something out of your pocket, if they keep on stopping, there must be bad intentions!’ Honestly, it sounded reasonable to me 
Thanks for the comments, let me add this: It didn’t actually make a sound or anything that directly meant harassment. But this is the second time it has happened to me on the same street, so I got really uneasy.
But for example, you’ve been saying the same street for two times, maybe someone conscious is observing you there? Maybe they’re not just watching your walk home. I think you shouldn’t use that route again.