NewWave: "I would be really upset to think someone would think I was some kind of pervert for being alone in or near a playground" Unfortunately, being a woman, that accolade would probably not be bestowed on you. Seems to be what the blokes get. It's funny, this whole over-thinking episode, it reminds me of an incident a few years ago at Goose Green kids' playground. I was there with my youngest, who was running around with her friends. I saw a child fall over and hurt herself, crying. I did the customary looking around for a parent, upon not seeing anyone interested I approached the child, stood her up and helped wipe the grit off her knees while asking if/where she hurt. The child was broadly OK, just shaken as would be normal. Suddenly a hand on my shoulder wrenches me away from the child and a Mum (who it turned-out was chatting with friends at the far end of the park) is warning me not go near her child. I explained that the child was hurt, alarmed and alone. Not good enough - 'stay away from my child' !