I am sure he is completely harmless. However, I have changed up my route a bit so I can never be given a reason to think he is anything other than harmless.
I also noticed a woman in a black Ford Taurus that also passes by me at about the same time each morning probably on her way to work. Not that I have not thought about it before, but it made me realize even more that we put ourselves in harms way by maintaining the same schedule, driving the same routes, and being habitual in our behaviors. Wrongdoers consider habitual people easy victims.
- Do Not Be Predictable. Change up the days you go to the gym, where you park your car in the parking lot at work, the time you take out the garbage at night, and even take the elevator one day and the stairs the next.
- Understand Your Surroundings. Pay attention to what is happening around you or what could take place. Be prepared to drop your belongings if you need to defend yourself. Be alert to the alleys you pass or trees up ahead that can block you vision or hide perpetrators behind them. Plan one step ahead as you walk along, asking yourself, “What would I do and where would I go if someone attacked me at this very moment?” Understand that just because you have made it to your car or inside it, does not mean you are out of harms way. Did it ever cross your mind that someone who was really out to get you could wait underneath your car and grab or slash your ankle as you tried to put your belongings inside? Or worse yet, have already broken into your car to hide in the backseat?
- Gut Feelings. If you feel uncomfortable or have a false sense of security, remove yourself from the situation. It is always better to be safe than sorry. As they say, if it is too good to be true then it probably is? If it does not seem right then it probably isn’t.
- All By Myself. Each one of us cannot afford a personal escort or expect another person to always stay by our side. However, you can make the effort to walk through illuminated areas, walk with colleagues, and take the most direct route to your destination.
- Confidence as Demotivation. If you look like you know where you are going and are not in the mood to let anyone get in your way, an attacker might fend for an easier, less confident target. Look at your watch as if you are late and someone is expecting you; walk briskly with your shoulders back and do not make eye contact with passers-by. Talk to yourself if you need to but never lose sight of your surroundings.
