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Like usually every minute I'd quickly look around to make sure there aren't weirdos following me.

For context: I'm a young-adult male, but I don't exactly have training in martial arts or anything, so I'm every time I see anyone that looks "tough" I don't feel safe.

When I was a kid, my parents told me the usual "stranger danger" talk. Also in movies and tv, there are usualy a lot of plot involving peoppe getting followed, and the victim never looks back. In crime stories, and in the news, people usually become a victim if a bad person follows them home.

So when I went to school as a kid/teen, I'd always be scanning my surroundings like very often, especially when nearing home, I'd be like looking around every 20 seconds to see if there's weirdos following.

Even as a young adult, I kinda still have this instinct. I mean, we hear about crime everywhere. I don't exactly live in a "slum", but I live in a big city, and more people generally means more crime, and statistically, crime is sort of an issue where I live, I mean, it'a a city, you know how it is. This is in the US btw.

I don't carry a gun, don't wanna have intrusive thoughts about killing myself so I don't want that, so I carry pepper spray just in case.

I mean, I'm probably not gonna change my behavior, I think its good to be cautious, this question is just me trying to see if there's anyone else out there think thinks like me.

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[-] Onomatopoeia@lemmy.cafe 5 points 19 hours ago* (last edited 19 hours ago)

Situational awareness is the best weapon anyone can have.

Having a weapon but no situational awareness diminishes the usefulness of any weapon, significantly. While I carry a tool that could double as a weapon, I'd really, really, really, like to never have to use it in defense. I'd much rather maintain awareness and avoid potential conflicts.

I'd rather identify a threat well in advance, and avoid it, then rely on defending myself with a weapon because I wasn't paying attention.

[-] Randomgal@lemmy.ca 1 points 18 hours ago

This gives off "I trained with the blade..." Kind of vibes.

[-] FlashMobOfOne@lemmy.world 1 points 19 hours ago

Situational awareness is the best weapon anyone can have.

Sure friend. Thank you.

this post was submitted on 16 May 2025
115 points (100.0% liked)

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