Especially for Women

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I know, a lot of ladies here are familiar with these warnings/tips, but it never hurts to refresh your memory. Women! You cannot be too careful. While of course both genders need to be cautious, women are especially targeted, and feel free to add any reminders here. Don’t brush these off: First, trust your instincts. How many times in your life have you been told you were overreacting. No, no, no. If something feels off, it most likely is. When I was sixteen, I thought I was being followed in the public library. As I left, the guy I thought was following me, left too. I pulled out, he pulled out. It occurred to me to turn this way and that, to see if he followed, and he did. I double backed and drove back to the library because the police station was right next to it. I pulled up to the station, and he went on. I did not blow off my instincts, and you shouldn’t either. Change up your routine: don’t jog or go to the gym at the same time every day. Don’t post on Facebook where you have lunch often; you don’t need to give anyone this information. When doing anything outside, never put both earbuds in your ears. If you are going to listen to something, keep one ear free to hear your surroundings. Do not stay glued to your phone. Walk with purpose. Don’t rummage in your purse if you can help it. Have your keys in your hand before you head to your car. As soon as you get in your car, lock the door. As soon as you get inside your place of residence, lock your door. Taking a Lyft or Uber? Have them drop you off a little ways (unless it’s at night) from your home and wait to walk home until the driver (if male) is out of sight. Get a personal alarm. Don’t dismiss red flags. Don’t worry about embarrassing yourself if you think you are in danger. Easier said than done? I’d rather be embarrassed than harmed. There are so many more tips. And I don’t mean to scare anyone, but you are important. Your safety is important. Assault, harassment, none of it is funny. None of it should be overlooked. And none of it should be forgotten about because hey, “It didn’t happen to me.”