posted August 17, 2007 10:50 AM         

If she insists, then getting things like license plate number, description, etc, is a reasonable request, to help find her "in case of emergency." Natch, let them know you're taking this info down, though be polite about it (ie, no snarling, "I'm watching you, perverts!"). The info really could come in helpful in case of an emergency, like if they get in a car wreck, attacked in the woods by someone/something else, etc, and so they could ALL potentially use someone concerned sounding the alarm if they don't show up at a reasonable time or you're cut off when you don't think you should be.

Btw, I wouldn't actually ask for their ID for info, but if they offer, accept. Fact is, I'd be more worried if they offered, because it's the kind of bluff sociopaths and the like do to put their victims at ease while those meaning no harm typically don't even think to offer such things (they'd wonder why would anyone need it when they're perfectly harmless? So it wouldn't occur to them, and it WOULD be insulting to the well-meaning to ask for such info, and frankly, I wouldn't give that info if asked, either).

Natch, it would be nice if she had a cell phone and you checked from time to time (not like every hour, but do keep in mind that out in the woods, it might be real hard to reach her there). I think it's reasonable that you ask her to call you to let you know she's ok at a time or two, just in case there are problems with the cell phone (and to give you a better idea when to expect them back, where they may be if you feel you need to report them, etc).

I personally don't think it's likely (but better safe than sorry!), but in the case that the couple do hold malicious aims, then it might be worth remembering that through your GF, they could easily get addresses and keys (as well as credit cards, bank numbers, etc) and possibly use them, or give them to someone else to use. It's just something to keep in mind.

In general, I don't think most predators would invite 2 women along with them, and even if they did, knowing that someone was being vigilant would likely dissuade them from doing anything. But there are crazy people everywhere, and a great many of them are capable of hiding just how crazy they are even from professionals used to dealing with dangerous sociopaths and the like. (Or they could be fine until they get off their meds, etc.)

posted August 17, 2007 10:52 AM         

Your GF sounds way too naive. I think the only dangers she's thinking of is what nature offers. (And does she normally surf alone with strangers that take an unusual interest in them?)

posted August 17, 2007 11:03 AM         

I would never do that with someone I just met in the park no matter who they were. No one should go anywhere with people they don't know very well. It's not a good idea at all. Even if she does have good intuitions about the people on first meeting. First impressions are not always accurate and intuitions should be tested by time.

It's good to trust other people but not to the point that you would put yourself in jeopardy. Once again, complete trust has to be earned over a period of time.

If the situation were different and they had just made an appt. to go to meet somewhere public for lunch one day and both your gf and her friend were going together that would be okay. Never go alone to meet up with someone you just met. But going off to the woods with someone you just met, even if both women are going together, is just plain not a good idea at all.

Unfamiliar surroundings such as the woods traveling with unfamiliar people is not a good thing at all. Very, very risky and I can understand why it worries you, CF.

However, all you can do is try and talk your gf out of this venture by expressing your concerns to her. Ultimately you cannot force her not to go. She has to make that decison by herself. Just the fact that you are so scared and worried for her shows how much you love her. It's only natural that when you love someone you are protective of them. As long as you are not demanding and express your concerns to her and let her know that the decision is hers to make in the end, I think she will take all you say to her as a sign of your love and concern and it may change her viewpoint on this venture. But if you come off as controlling and demanding to her it won't help to persuade her at all. Might backfire and work the opposite way.