Teen girl in my building stalks me - how to handle without hurting her?

[Suraj]

I am a 32‑year‑old adult living in a flat. There is a teenage girl, about 17‑18, who has started stalking me. It seemed to begin around Navratri last year, maybe even earlier.

During Navratri she deliberately played near me, kept walking beside me and stared at me. I didn't notice then because I thought she was just a kid; we usually don't pay much attention to children. On the last day of Navratri she rushed into the same lift as me, kept smiling and staring at me all the way to her floor. That's when I first realised something was off.

After that she kept staring, smiling, and trying to start conversations when nobody else was around. I brushed it off as a friendly kid since I know her family, though we aren't close.

Since last month things have gotten worse. She now tries to approach me when I'm alone. I get calls on my personal number from her house and all I hear is her giggling. When I asked her father, he said it might have been a misdial. I have changed my walking schedule because I fear running into her. She knows when I leave for work and when I return, and I see her standing there waiting for me every day. This has become genuine stalking behaviour.

I'm conflicted about confronting her. She's just a little kid and saying something harsh could scar her for life. I can't tell her parents because they are orthodox and strict; they might physically assault her (I've seen them yell at her publicly). They could also stop her studies or restrict her life, and they might fight with me and accuse me of wrongdoing. The only silver lining is that she probably doesn't have a personal mobile, otherwise she would have stalked me on social media too. I need serious suggestions, please.

Edit: I got a wonderful suggestion from a commentor about informing people I know and dealing with it step‑wise. Thank you. Any safety suggestions are welcomed... my main worry is not to give the girl a lifelong trauma.

[Neha]

Just ignore her and give her no attention. Keep your distance for your own safety, since she's a minor.

[Dhruv]

Ignore her completely and don't interact.

You should inform her family, even if they're strict, because the behaviour makes you uncomfortable. Approach them safely, maybe with your own parents beside you.

[Vinay]

I'd suggest staying cold and stern. Don't chat or smile much; just call her a child or kid to keep it simple.

If she follows you, you can gently tell her, "Please stop following me, or I'll have to inform your parents."

[Latha]

Make your social media private and block her number so she can't call you. Just avoid any interaction.

[Niraj]

It might be best to end things clearly so she stops. This creepy behaviour isn't acceptable just because she's a young girl. Tell her directly, involve her parents so it doesn't get out of hand, and let your own family know. Creepy behaviour isn't okay from anyone - male, female or child.

[Chitra]

First, discuss the situation with people you trust - neighbours or friends in the building. That way, if anything goes wrong, you have witnesses who know you're not at fault.

It's better not to confront her directly. Just ignore her and keep a stern attitude when she tries to talk. Pretend you're on a phone call if that helps you avoid her.

Ideally, her crush will fade and she'll stop. If she escalates, you'll have a safe chance to inform her parents, and you'll have others to back you up if they accuse you.

Do not have a one‑to‑one conversation with her, since she's a minor.

[Bhavin]

Ignore her completely. Do not interact.

[Abhishek]

Ignore her, but if she does approach, call her "beta" and ask, "Aapki studies kaise chal rahi hain, beta?"
If you complain, her parents might scold her, but they could also blame you or she might claim you're stalking her. She's only 15, so be very careful and stay away as much as possible.

[Sarika]

She's a teenager, so hormones are probably at play. It could just be a phase.

Change your routine a bit - leave for work 5‑10 minutes earlier, come home at a different time, use the stairs instead of the lift when possible, and walk with a friend or family member for a few days. This will send the message that you're not interested.

Teenagers crave excitement and attention; if they don't get it, they look elsewhere. Maybe you made eye contact that gave her the wrong idea. Stop looking at her and act as if she isn't there - she'll feel ignored too.

I'd avoid talking to her; she might do something reckless to get your attention. Ignoring her is the safest route.

Yes, teenagers are still kids even when we're in our 30s.

[Sameer]

1) When she approaches, call her "beta".
2) Ask about her school.
3) If you're married or have a girlfriend, make sure she sees you with them; if not, you could fake a call with a "girlfriend" so she hears you.
4) Be indifferent and rude.