No matter where you go, there you are.
>>>And given the nature of who we are, I would say that there is a high percentage that do the same. So what do you do to keep safe, are you proactive or reactive.
Both proactive and reactive.
But first, what's this "nature of who we are" stuff? "We" as men in dresses, "we" as people in the wrong body? "We" as people always in the wrong because, "That's just wrong!"? "We" as people sometimes in a tight spot and alone?
Pfffftttt.
It's the same deal, no matter who "we" turns out to be.
Be proactive.
Think about things that could go wrong - and think about what could be wrong with your responses.
The entire "knife and gun" debate really centers on where the things are when you need them. If you have a HAND gun, or, a PALM knife at the ready when you need it - great! Odds are, however, most the time you'll have to "draw" and that takes time and the other person is not just going to be standing there counting to five...
Be reactive. Consider where you're going and arm/disarm accordingly. Same as when you're in a situation and you realize things could be about to change. Again, a drink glass, a shoe, a sharp poke in the eye might be more useful than any gun or knife in the same situation. And, consider NOT escalating a situation. When confronted, do NOT whip out your knife, they, and/or their pals, may then think it a good idea to whip out theirs. Can o' worms that you opened...
Long story short, be aware, get some practice at both attack and defense, and don't be a punching bag. Or, if you're going to be one, be a tougher one and one that will punch back.
It's not a dangerous world, not really. But, you don't want to walk around blindly or stupidly. No one solution fits all situations and the more you know, the less advantage "they" will ever have.
Good question. Too bad it's all about knives and guns in most the responses.
Bricks, pens, hands, pins, knees, rocks, elbows, teeth... All those things are handy too and most the time you don't have to make any special effort to have them with you. Some of them are always around...
Oh, and no, I am no more concerned about my safety, one way or the other, depending on how I am dressed. If I have a problem, I'll figure out something to do about it and it will be about the same response because I always walk about with the same brain, head, hands, feet, etc.
Only the accessories change...
