He calls it "love"...we call it stalking.

Regardless of what its called, its still scary and illegal.

Recognizing someone as a stalker is quite impossible. They do not look like monsters. Many can initially appear quite charming, while others seem awkward and socially inept.

Profiles of stalkers have not been clearly delineated, but can overlap with characteristics offered in the domestic violence literature. The most common type of stalker (Simple Obsession) includes those individuals who were prior intimates that may have engaged in domestic violence. There are several psychological characteristics: mood, anxiety, and/or substance abuse disorders, low self esteem, social insecurity, narcissism, intense jealousy, and morbid infatuation.

Listed here are the current findings describing stalkers:

Most are male.

There is an increased likelihood of prior criminal, psychiatric, or substance abuse histories.

Immigration may play an interactive role -- these individuals may be experiencing acculturation stress and/or culture shock and suffering a sense of loss of one's culture of origin.

Stalkers have higher intelligence than other criminals.

Defense mechanisms play a significant role in the form of denial, minimization, devaluation, and projection of blame onto the victim.

Axis I disorders are evidenced as substance abuse, mood disorders, sexual dysfunction or schizophrenia.

Axis II disorders are primarily of the following: narcissism, borderline, paranoid, and dependent personality -- with antisocial personality also possible, but not as common. The schizoid personality disorder has been related to erotomania.

Loss within at least seven years of the stalking behavior (i.e., relationship dissolution, job termination, or potential loss of a child or an ill parent) is very common.

Regardless of the above, its wrong. The victim sadly, only has rights if the stalker has physically harmed them. It seems the stalker has the upper hand. Fight back! Document every incident as factually as possible. Contact the police! Make a report so that its on hand. And lastly ....be ever vigilant! Don't think just because things are quiet that its over.

Also know...you are not alone! Reach out for help! There are many agencies as well as your own friends and family who are willing and eager to help. Utilize them!