Like many people with OCD/anxiety, one of my biggest fears is having the detectors go off at any store signaling I stole something, even when I have paid for everything fairly. It is an intrusive thought I can't make go away.

I walked around a store today in the mall. My sister was with me, and she left ahead of me. I was putting my wallet away, and made my way out. Then this 18 year old kid stopped me, misgendered me, and said (and the conversation as follows) "I was wondering what you did with the merchandise in your hand." "...Excuse me?" "The merchandise you were holding as you left the store." "The only thing I was holding in the store was my phone, wallet, and what I purchased." "I hope what ever you tried to steal is on a shelf...." "You're making an assumption based on nothing." "Then let me see your bags." "I just purchased from your store. And I do not need to show you my bags." "I guess I am calling security then, and then we can see what you stole."

Now, my sister is standing RIGHT THERE well aware that I hadn't taken a damned thing. I bought a pull over, had the receipt to prove it. I did not want a strange, immature kid going through my personal items. So security got there. Three guards. And at this point I was trying to keep it together for my sister. They were all rude, calling me a thief. Saying it's always "my type" and that it's "that time of the year". I said "I work in retail. I am aware of shoplifting." which threw them off. I just dropped my bags onto the floor and said "go ahead, look". They made a mess of everything. Threw one of my brothers guitar picks on the floor. And when the item I DIDN'T STEAL wasn't found but the LEGAL PURCHASE I MADE WAS they all hurried to apologize and asked me not to take it personally that this is how they treat shoplifters. I said "Shame. I'm not a shoplifter."

The kid looked horrified after that because I glared at him as I put my things away. I was on the verge of vomiting.

Now I am home and I can't calm down. That was terrifying. And yay, more god damn harassment in my life.