I trhought everybody did that!
By dragon54u
@dragon54u (31634)
United States
October 22, 2009 10:32am CST
I was reading an article this morning about protecting yourself when you're out and about, whether in the car or walking down the street or at a public function. They were saying things like leave enough space between your car and the one ahead for a quick escape if another driver should harass you or someone approach your car. Like watching all around you for people with nervous looks or who are scanning for security instead of watching the show you're attending, watching for cars going slowly down the street near you. Having a backup plan for escape everywhere you go.
And I thought, what?! Doesn't everyone do that?!
I guess they don't. Since I was young I've always sat with my back against the wall of a restaurant where I could see the door. I'm forever scanning my surroundings looking for something out of the ordinary that could be a danger to me or my loved ones and I always, always have an escape plan along with a backup plan.
Do you? Do people call you paranoid if you do this? I think it's just good sense and it's possibly saved my life and my children's lives a couple of times. Are you paranoid or just a good planner/survivalist?
3 people like this
10 responses
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
22 Oct 09
I am always watching people. I am a nervous type, having once been a telemarketer and getting threats like "are you home at 2 am in the morning?" etc. and I am concerned that since I have an accent they will recognize my voice. I do not have the back to the wall and am not that paranoid, but I do get a feeling when something is not right. When we drove, we made sure that there was space between our car and the next and when I go shopping I want to make sure that I have plenty of room. So I am careful.
2 people like this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
22 Oct 09
You are one of the few! And you'll probably be safer than most of the people you see on the street.
The back to the wall thing has always been a natural move with me. Maybe I was born paranoid but I think rather that some of us have more survival instincts closer to the surface than others. Your job brought yours up where you could use them, I think I was just born that way. I was a very jumpy baby.
Keep up the good work, be observant and always have that escape/backup plan! 
2 people like this
@joeyzeng1979 (2)
•
22 Oct 09
I think you can do that ,but non of eveyone can do that, something is about to happen ,it will happen, even that you can watch your surronding carefully .
2 people like this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
22 Oct 09
I really do not think so as so many attacks could have
been prevented had the victim looked closely around
her before getting into her car in a dark parking
lot or walking alone in a bad area late at night,
common sense should tell us not to put ourselves int
a dangerous situation.
1 person likes this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
22 Oct 09
I used to employ people that had to make home visits to people that often lived in less than desirable neighbourhoods. At interview I ALWAYS asked a question about personal safety and was astonished how little thought folk gave to it - women were often worse prepared than men in answering the question. You can never be 100% certain of your safety, but it is sensible to think about these things, especially if you are somewhere where you might be vulnerable.
2 people like this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
22 Oct 09
Yes, it's such a shame we have to be so proactive about our safety. This definitely isn't Utopia!
Where've you been? I haven't seen you around lately, glad to have you back!
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
23 Oct 09
Oh, you, too? From your tone, you've lived an interesting life. I learned early to be this way and some of it has always been there. I had a lot of wild times in my 20's and 30's and it served me well, got me as far as 55 so far! 
We can't depend on anyone to rescue us but ourselves. That's why I'm always ready for anything. I even have a month's food and water stored, just in case!
We can't depend on anyone to rescue us but ourselves. That's why I'm always ready for anything. I even have a month's food and water stored, just in case!
@goldiegold (285)
•
23 Oct 09
I always try to be vigilant when I am out. I couldn't not be vigilant and observant to my surroundings, I would have to feel very secure for that. I think everyone should at least pay attention to their surroundings.
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
23 Oct 09
Good for you! You probably won't be the victim of a crime with an attitude and habits like that.
@SallyAnna (142)
• United States
23 Oct 09
My father was a police officer for many years and just hearing some of the horror stories from his work, I guess made me alittle paranoid. Which I don't think is a bad thing better safe than sorry.
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
23 Oct 09
It's not a bad thing to be aware and make backup plans, what with all the crime and sick people who are walking the streets. It seems sometimes that there are more criminals than honest folk! Be careful while you enjoy life and you'll be able to enjoy more of it. 
@wjtexjonny (16)
• China
23 Oct 09
I just can say that you're abnormal man.What's on your mind day in and day out.or someone will say you're a fashion-minded person,but I can't agree it.Please enjoy these wonderful things and your life.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
23 Oct 09
Thank you for the good wishes! I like to be an independent woman, relying on no one for my survival, ready for anything. Even now, I have a month's food and water stored in my basement for myself and my neighbors, just in case!
@flowerchilde (12529)
• United States
23 Oct 09
I think it is paranoid, b ut unfortunately, only makes perfect sense in today's world!
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
23 Oct 09
It is up to us to protect ourselves and not rely on others. Look at the Hurricane Katrina survivors, waiting on the government to save them, only to sit there for weeks with no clean water or food. We must take the initiative and rely on ourselves.
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
22 Oct 09
hi dragon54u I do the same thing whenever I am out and about.
I was in a Walmart recently and forgot to observe around me. so I walked around the corner of a row of books and felt something sharp on my knee. I had run smack dab into the end of a long iron
rod sitting on some boxes yet to be unpacked, the end was sharp and cut my knew in about a two inch cut. Our activities director told me I should have reported this incident to the manager of the store, but I felt really stupid, As I had noticed when we arrived, some of the clerks were restocking shelves, so I really should have been a lot more observant.So I just put a bandaid on it when we got home. lol
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
23 Oct 09
certainly. im a very nervous type. one of those that wonders why people dont watch their kids better etc. my kids (grown) are always teasing me about it. im one of those people that follows the baby around when its learning to walk with my hands outstretched around it
im always telling the kids be careful cause what if this happens or that might happen. they think im a wreck, but hey, they are grown and made it thus far@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
23 Oct 09
You are probably the reason they did make it this far! You can never be too careful with children, I was truly paranoid thinking everyone was out to kidnap my boys. A little of that has rubbed off on them, making them cautious--scouting exits, having backup plans and escapes, etc., but they're not obsessive about it. Like me, it's just second nature for them and they don't even think about it.
Children are too precious not to be cautious--they can be gone in an instant and never return. Good for you!
@jeanmtdb (30)
• United States
23 Oct 09
I don't think you're paranoid. Having grown up in a big city, I am always careful. Once you learn it, its really second nature, you don't even think about it. I always tell my children that it is their job to keep themselves safe, that they have to be viligent and watchful. There would be less victims if everyone would be very aware of what was going on around them. There will always be people who prey on others - you have to protect yourself the best you can and remind others to do the same.
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
23 Oct 09
I'm glad to find a kindred spirit! I've taught my children the same thing and as you said, it's second nature with them to be aware of everything around them. We need to teach our children to be independent, not to rely on others for their safety. You're a good mom!
