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twomillenium,

It's true that at times I post to get a rise, inject a little humor, or perhaps a bit of loutish wit or what have you, but not this time.

I really do park far away in huge parking lots as is possible.

I can 'overall' see the environment better, I don't mind walking a little further to get to the store.

Plus, usually I can park in the 'forward' space, so when I leave no backing and filling, I just drive off.

Being in the parking lot 'hinterlands' is in my opinion safer parking than crowding in where every vehicle is parked so jam packed close it creates a visual block, thus allowing a sneaky mugger a better opportunity to get within "mugging me" distance.

Another thought regarding getting spooked by proximity...park far away from the madding crowd.

I see people circle in parking lots until a space opens up as close to the store as is humanly possible.

Then, they are tightly confined with vehicles left/right/fore and aft, but, but, but they're closer to the store...

Boloney.

Park farther away so you're not so confined and be prepared to walk a few extra steps. And, it IS just a few extra steps you lazy American...

My truck is 8 years old without nary a ding or scratch on it as is my parking policy is to follow the above approach to parking in big lots. Farther away is generally/plenty roomy. Is this always possible? No, but when it is (and it usually is...) it's generally easier to park and to leave too. No back-filling or extra maneuvering to leave your space. I also park so that when I leave all I have to do is go forward and bingo I'm gone.

My wife on the other hand would (if allowed) drive directly into the store and park.

So when we go somewhere together, she never fails to complain that she has to put in 100/250' of walking to get to the store.

I say nothing, just shake my head and laugh.

One of the other pluses in parking like this is you can see before you get to your vehicle if anyone is lurking near it.

SewTexas,

I do my dead level best to never spook a woman in a parking lot or anywhere else for that matter, but especially in a parking lot.

No doubt the man was simply oblivious, but your experience while not fun, work well at re-cranking up ones situational awareness.