By Julie Coker

Aunty Julie,

My girlfriend just broke up with me after one year of relationship. She didn’t give me any reason. She says she has no time to give a reason. Recently, I called her every half hour, but she didn’t want to pick up the phone. She told me later that if I keep calling her, or I am around her or her place, or trying to follow her, then she would call the police and sue me. My question is: is it against the law if I am trying to get in touch with her by being at the same place as she is? Is it against the law if I wait for her in front of her door?
Obi, Port-Harcourt

Dear Obi,
While it may be unfortunate and hurtful that she does not want to talk with you or discuss reasons for ending the relationship, you really need to back off, stay away, and give her some space. It seems clear that your ex-girlfriend doesn’t want to see you, talk to you, or have anything to do with you right now. She has been definite and clear about her wishes.

Legal definition of stalking may vary depending upon where you are. More specific examples of stalking include: following someone or showing up where you know they’ll be; giving or sending gifts, messages (written or electronic) that are unwanted; inflicting damage to someone’s property; threatening to hurt their family, friends, or pets; using technology to monitor use or track whereabouts and/or spreading rumors or sharing photos or information about them verbally, in print, or on social media or other places on the Internet.

Calling her every half hour or showing up somewhere you know she will be can be considered stalking. It is important for you to know that this is a crime .

If you continue, it would be within your ex-girlfriend’s rights to notify the police and get an order of protection that would not allow you to have contact with her, be on her property, or come within a certain distance of her. The order would be served to you, and once you have seen it, if you violate the terms, you could be arrested (something that won’t help your situation).

What you are describing is serious. For the time being, and possibly forever, you’ll need to leave your ex-girlfriend alone. Whatever her reasons for breaking up with you, it is clear that she is not willing to discuss them with you right now. Rather than pursuing the reasons for your breakup or why your ex is not interested in talking, this may be a good time to focus on you, your feelings, and finding a way to move on.
Pursuing a calm approach that allows you to focus on the future, while giving your ex the space she requests, can only help you both in the long term.