In my opinion, you acted appropriately. There are predators out there, it’s real. Not everyone who acts nice is a predator, but we don’t know who is and who isn’t. We can’t just look at them and determine what their intentions are. In this case, your instincts were trying to protect you, it was wise to listen to them. You will never know if the man was a predator or not, that’s not the issue, because it doesn’t matter. It’s your instincts that kicked in to protect you, and you did the right thing by leaving the situation.

Watching "What Would You Do?" will probably give you more anxiety than it is worth.

That show is about extreme examples. Things that probably will never happen in your life time.

Maybe watch something more fun, happy and light-hearted?

Oh my gosh, you did absolutely the right thing. Go with your instincts. Also, an older man who is a stranger shouldn't be so friendly to a young girl. Just hearing about that creeped me out. I would have probably just bolted out of there and had no regrets whatsoever.

I thought he was being so nice to me and I wanted him to come back. I had no idea he could be a bad person. That's what scares me the most. I think I was 9 and I completely trusted him until that feeling (which was also kind of a voice) came.

From where I sit, it looks like a simple learning experience where you found out about instincts. Kind of hard to grasp that your mom or dad never talked to you about strangers, but ok. I don’t really know what you are trying to do here. But from your first question, “ was I in danger?” Know one but the man will ever know. Only he knows what his intentions were. If it was me, I would just be happy that my instincts kicked in, at least I would know they are working.

My parents did talk to me about strangers, but all they said was "Don't take candy from strangers." My mom said she wanted me to stay innocent as long as I could.

Staying innocent has nothing to do with someone being a predator. I have no idea what this guy was trying to do. Could have been nothing. But I agree the finer point is listening to your gut. Don’t ignore a “feeling.” Even if the person is harmless, it’s really not about that. It’s about your comfort.

Without putting your mother down, which I am most certainly not, it would be in the naive side to not teach your child about the danger of strangers. Especially in light of how much of a change in morality the world has gone through in the last 50 years. Perhaps she herself isn’t enlightened as to the dangers that exist for young children. That being said, it’s important that you look out for yourself and just be aware that there are bad people out there. Now mind you there is not a bad person behind every Bush, so don’t get caught up in that. But you do need to be aware of what is going on around you, even in a group of “ so called friends”. You need to be ready to exit the situation if someone tries to lead you into something you don’t like, aren’t comfortable with, or you know is wrong. Your instincts can help you, but sometimes they are over ridden by our own desires. Especially at your age now. I remember being your age and thought nothing could or would happen to me, and boy was I wrong. And so were many who are not here today to tell their story. As God has told us, moderation in everything. Do not let my post put fear in you, but let it put wisdom and understanding in you. You are not invincible and things do happen if we don’t use good judgment. You can only do your best and I hope that you understand what I have said is not to make you fear but to help you understand, learn, and take care of yourself wisely.

You'll need the dangers of strangers knowledge in adulthood too. Sadly even us adults get approached by predators. Its not just something exclusively experienced only in childhood. I wish someone told me that when I was younger. You did the right thing. If ever anyone makes you feel uncomfortable remove yourself from the situation. And don't be afraid to make a scene. Get peoples attention if you feel you need too. Talk loud, make noise. Predators want you to be quiet and not draw attention to them. Do the opposite!