How to handle situations where someone keeps pushing your boundaries?

I had an incident today that’s stuck in my head. I had just finished a workout at the gym and was walking home when some crackhead started following me, asking for cigarettes. I said no multiple times, but he kept persisting and eventually pushed me. I warned him that if he touched me again, I’d defend myself. He then swung at me first, so I punched him once in the face and walked away.

I wasn’t scared of him I knew I could handle him physically but it frustrated me that he kept pushing my boundaries after I’d made it clear I wanted to be left alone.

I’ve never hit anyone before, and I’m still replaying it in my head. I don’t feel bad about defending myself, but I’m angry it even had to get to that point. part of me knows I should've just ran away but I guess i was already in a bit of flight or fight, was in the wrong? I feel like I stooped down to his level out of anger and adrenaline

For anyone who’s been in similar situations:

How do you shut things down earlier before it escalates?

How do you set firmer boundaries without sounding aggressive?

And how do you deal with the anger and adrenaline that lingers afterward?

I’d like to feel more prepared next time without things getting physical if possible.

Submitted September 01, 2025 at 11:05PM by Plus_Rest_5441 https://ift.tt/BTqaV7b