I notice that a guy is following me, but I can't turn around because... well... that would just be weird. And I am in a calm yoga state of mind anyways. He follows me to my apartment complex. I think, "Oh isn't that weird? He lives in my apartment complex." He follows me to my building (we have four in my apartments). "Oh isn't that weird? He lives in my building in my apartment complex." He follows me in. Then follows me to my side of the building (we have two split sides) "Oh isn't that weird? He lives in my side of my building in my apartment complex." He follows me up my staircase (there are three- with 15 apartments in each one) "Oh isn't that weird? He lives in my staircase on my side of the building in my apartment complex."
Then he stops on my floor. (4 apartments total) This is where I FINALLY lose my yoga chia and start to panic.
Turns out he is my neighbor. and he was in my yoga class. and we went to yoga together the next morning.
This is not always the case though. The bigger questions are: Why wasn't I paying attention? Why did I let him follow me in? What should I have done? What would I have done if the stranger had been bad?
What are simple safety tips that every savvy girl should know?
1. Don't panic- at the same time, PAY ATTENTION, unlike me. Using your brain? most important. If you panic while walking from the mall to your car, you wont be able to think clearly and figure out a strategy out.
2. Take a self defense class. Would it hurt to know how to throw a decent punch? Don't have time? Watch a self defense video.
3. Have your cellphone on you. And if you are like my friend Kelly- Have. It. Charged. ;) If its dead, well, you could be too. (thats sick, I know)
4. Carry some Mace. The only place I have seen it is an auto supply shop, but I hear you get get it at walmart too.
5. Park under a lamp post. This makes so much sense but I never actually think about it. And park close to the store, shorter the walk, less time for trouble.
6. If walking? choose larger streets. Even if you same time taking the back road, it just could be worth it.
7. Don't listen to music on your walk. Backstreet Boys will be just as good Back at your apartment and off the Back Streets. That way you can listen for people following you and pay attention to what is going on around you.
8. Don't be afraid to run. This hurts to write... BUT, don't be afraid to kick off those heels and run home/car/etc if needed. You can always buy new shoes (ouch)...
9. Do some online research for more tips. Hey, its cheaper than online shopping. Try My Optum Health. or NYPD's Online Tips.
Or? you can always just get a sexy body guard like Kim Kardashian. But let's be real, who has that in their budget?
Yes, some strangers are just innocent yoga-doing-neighbors. Others? not so flexible and friendly. Don't be afraid, but be aware. (Do as I say, not as I do. Or did.)
