Yesterday at a Toronto Public Library branch I had an altercation with a guy. While I am browsing the catalog, a guy sitting next to me rudely taps my shoulder and says, "Watch my phone while I am gone to the washroom". No common courtesy like "please" or "excuse me ".

I turn towards him and give him a stare and he repeats what he said before, rudely. Anyway, I nod my head in agreement. He returns and taps my shoulder again and says "ok guy". I look at him and nod my head again, acknowledging him. He taps two three time and repeats "okay?". He wants me to utter words.

This is when I went ballistic and replied:

me: "Don't tap my shoulder again. K?"

guy: " what do you mean?"

me: "I meant exactly what I said, don't tap my shoulder or touch me again. GOT IT?"

guy: " What's your f-----g problem, uh?"

me: "Didn't your mama teach you manners? Don't you say "please" if you need a favour from somebody? "

At this point other computer users are giggling and laughing.

guy: "What the fuck, don't talk about my mama. You take care of your mama, then some swear words and some more swear words...."

guy: "Where are you from, I am from Toronto."--he looks East Asian and mentally challenged.

I storm out of the room and go to the librarian and complain about the incident and she looks alarmed. Meanwhile the guy comes to me and is trying to argue with me.

me: "Listen, don't talk to me while I am talking to the lady, you wait your turn in the line. You tapped half a dozen times over my shoulder. And don't touch me again, PUNK!"

guy: "I was just tapping your shoulder because i...Ok, Ok, I am gonna remove myself from the computer. OK?"

me: "Good answer." (I walk back to the my seat).

Then a few minutes latter he walks out, swearing under his breath.


Did I over-react?

No you did not - I would have bettered you in my responses .... Some people are real a55 wholes and need to be treated accordingly ...


I don't mind reminding people who are talking in the library or listening to music that library is a place where others study ... At occasions I have informed and requested the librarian to intervene .

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Fido.

You did not over-react..But the other guy was crazy enough to leave a phone behind.

I would have used humor to diffuse such situations.

you should have replied: 'I hope you don't mind, if i make some quick international calls'

He will never leave his phone behind :-)