Community Chat

[Q4u]

Regarding instinct.... or that first basic, primal feeling that something is wrong....

That gut feeling is somelthing that every human should listen to.  It has been hard-wired into humans in order to help us survive over a million years and as civilization has developed, we've more or less tapped that initial feeling down as probably wrong.... or don't be silly.  We can often glean a feeling of danger eminating from around us.  Some times we're wrong, but always act as though there is substance to it.  Leave, get to a safe place, be prepared to defend, etc. because there is always a chance that feeling is right....

[Q4u]

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@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

Several years ago I took a women's self defense course from the Beverly Hills Police Dept.   Lots of good tips, but one I still use to this day ........   hold your keys in your hand, with a key pointing out between every finger .... it's like wearing  brass knuckles.   If someone approaches you or comes into your personal space, that fist goes straight to the face, between their eyes.  

The best part is, it looks a little scary if someone is close enough to see what's actually in your hand.  They are more likely to just move on.

For anyone who doesn't know what brass knuckles are, here's a photo.

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Those are very pretty ones too!

I have a small crow bar in my car, just big enough to hold and have it go up my arm. At a time of car-jackings, someone is going to get a lead face and my arm will have reinforcement...  should I need it after that!

It's illegal to carry brass knuckles btw.... as it is nunchakus (at which I'm adept), so my choice of a small crow bar is legal....  and so are keys through the fingers!  Excellent!

[Frosted Cake]

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@Q4u wrote:

Regarding instinct.... or that first basic, primal feeling that something is wrong....

That gut feeling is somelthing that every human should listen to.  It has been hard-wired into humans in order to help us survive over a million years and as civilization has developed, we've more or less tapped that initial feeling down as probably wrong.... or don't be silly.  We can often glean a feeling of danger eminating from around us.  Some times we're wrong, but always act as though there is substance to it.  Leave, get to a safe place, be prepared to defend, etc. because there is always a chance that feeling is right....

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Q4U,

I felt that instinct this morning.  Something wasn't right with that guy on the bike.   If he wanted to "chat" one would think he would wave, say hello, smile, not just stare at me and ride his bike at my exact pace.  I felt instant concern and that's why I stopped walking and yelled when he started to come over the median.   

A friend once told me to scream and act nuts, make all the noise you can even if it's embarrassing.   No person with bad intentions is going to want to be near a loud person making a scene.

[Marp]

@Frosted Cake, you said in your post of 5:54 p.m.:  She said to get a whistle.  She also told me, as did a poster here, that mace can backfire on you and cause more problems.   I am going to carry my Dad's old pocket knife now on my walks.

I would suggest that you rethink carrying the knife as it too can backfire, perhaps even easier than a can of mace.   An air horn can be very effective not only in detering someone but also alerting others.  You too might be impacted by losing your hearing for a while but air horns are safer than knives, mace or regular pepper spray

[Isobel Archer]

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@Noel7 wrote:

@Frosted Cake

Did you read the post I put up on this line about a way people in my area are getting rid pf sexual predators in their neighborhood?

From your description of your neighbors, it might be the way for you to go.

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This was your post:  In this area, neighbors often band together to demand the pervert be moved elsewhere, and it usually works.

I'm still curious about this.  "be moved" by whom - and by what authority?

[Tinkrbl44]

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@Marp wrote:

@Frosted Cake, you said in your post of 5:54 p.m.:  She said to get a whistle.  She also told me, as did a poster here, that mace can backfire on you and cause more problems.   I am going to carry my Dad's old pocket knife now on my walks.

I would suggest that you rethink carrying the knife as it too can backfire, perhaps even easier than a can of mace.   An air horn can be very effective not only in detering someone but also alerting others.  You too might be impacted by losing your hearing for a while but air horns are safer than knives, mace or regular pepper spray

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I don't remember where I saw it, but you can also buy a very loud alarm that is small enough to hook onto your key ring.   Since you usually have your keys nearby, this is about as handy as it gets!

[Q4u]

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@Marp wrote:

@Frosted Cake, you said in your post of 5:54 p.m.:  She said to get a whistle.  She also told me, as did a poster here, that mace can backfire on you and cause more problems.   I am going to carry my Dad's old pocket knife now on my walks.

I would suggest that you rethink carrying the knife as it too can backfire, perhaps even easier than a can of mace.   An air horn can be very effective not only in detering someone but also alerting others.  You too might be impacted by losing your hearing for a while but air horns are safer than knives, mace or regular pepper spray

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Here is my advice on knives.  YES, they can and will be used against you.  I was absolutely amazed (and disgusted) at watching a fake (demonstration) of a knife fight.  I was watching two who were expert in Filipino knife fighting.  It is so incredibly fast and furious that there is no way to defend against it.  No way!  Very street fighting..... It would be bad enough coming up against someone with a knife, but if YOU have one it can easily be taken away from you.  Mace is the best bet with someone with a knife, and as mentioned also an air horn.  You want to GET AWAY!  That's the goal.... Even if you win with a knife, you WILL be cut a lot.......   

[Q4u]

Correction, perhaps not Mace.  Pepper spray is probably better, or an air horn... 

I've had some training in knives and believe me, I won't carry one.... 

[RazorSharp]

Yeah, please don't carry a knife or brass knuckles with spikes.  Unless you are a trained fighter, those weapons will end up being used against you if you get into a physical altercation with a criminal.  Remember, the guy has been in prison, and not a white collar one.  He probably has been in some serious altercations.  Sex offenders are known to be treated very roughly in prison by other inmates.  Your best bet is to scream as loudly as possible and run.

[Q4u]

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@Frosted Cake wrote:

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@Q4u wrote:

Regarding instinct.... or that first basic, primal feeling that something is wrong....

That gut feeling is somelthing that every human should listen to.  It has been hard-wired into humans in order to help us survive over a million years and as civilization has developed, we've more or less tapped that initial feeling down as probably wrong.... or don't be silly.  We can often glean a feeling of danger eminating from around us.  Some times we're wrong, but always act as though there is substance to it.  Leave, get to a safe place, be prepared to defend, etc. because there is always a chance that feeling is right....

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Q4U,

I felt that instinct this morning.  Something wasn't right with that guy on the bike.   If he wanted to "chat" one would think he would wave, say hello, smile, not just stare at me and ride his bike at my exact pace.  I felt instant concern and that's why I stopped walking and yelled when he started to come over the median.   

A friend once told me to scream and act nuts, make all the noise you can even if it's embarrassing.   No person with bad intentions is going to want to be near a loud person making a scene.

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I bet your gut instinct was right!  And I agree about making all the noise you can even if you find it embarressing....  I think you did exactly the right thing!  Something wasn't right and I think you "felt" it.