an acquaintance who's black called me, and told me "I'm very attracted to you." I wasn't sure what to say, since he wasn't asking me out for coffee, a movie, or anything. never got a booty call before, or a heavy-breathing teenager. this man is a professor, older than my father, and well-respected in his community. I said, "um, thank you, but I'm not available. Janice talks about you all the time. I think she might be in love with you. have you considered pursuing her?" he got upset, said he was aware of the situation, and went on and on about how they were just friends and all the time and money he spends on her is only out of friendship. Okaaaaaay, didn't know that was a can of worms not to open. fast forward to Janice somehow finding out he tried to pursue me, and everyone within Janice's circle is treating me like filth. she has friends in my building, and all of them are giving me the stink eye, and being openly rude. most of these friends of hers are middle eastern and black, and she's a large black woman herself. I'm a skinny middle-aged blonde white woman. I lead a Bible study in Janice's apartment building, and have for about five years before she moved in. she loiters around the floor where it's held so she can see who attends and then later tell them not to. so far, she has caused four people who are black to stop attending. she tells them I'm a hateful bigot or some such, but I can't know for sure because people aren't looking me in the eye and aren't forthcoming when I ask why they stopped attending. I live in the neighborhood, and get looks that kill every week. this has been going on for years.

this is envy and resentment dressed in racist clothing, and the people who listen to her slander aren't calling her on it, and there's nothing I can do about it but pray.