Ever since I was a child and especially now that I am in college, my parents, trusted adults, and even some of my friends remind me how to protect myself out it this cruel, harsh world we live in. I guess it is too much to ask people to treat people with some respect nowadays. Far too many women have to take steps every single day to attempt to not get harmed in our disturbing society. For some, these things have become second nature to us without us even realizing it.
If you take any of these and think, "Well, duh, of course, I should do that." Stop and ask yourself, "Is this something a man consciously has to think about doing on a daily basis?"
Here are just a few examples of conscious decisions that women make on a daily basis so that they can live a "normal" life:
Don't rent first floor apartments
Don't live alone
Only go out in groups
Avoid getting in elevators alone with unknown men
Hold your keys as a weapon when walking alone
Carry mace or pepper spray with you
Park in well-lit areas
Avoid parking garages if possible
Check under your car as you walk up
Check the backseat of your car before getting in
Avoid stopping at highway rest areas if traveling alone
Watch what you wear
Always carry your cell phone
Don't go for a walk or jog at night
Do not have both headphones in while jogging
Share your locations with friends and family
Always meet men in public locations for the first time
Leave a light on when you are not home so you don't come home to the dark
Leave an outside light on all night
Always lock doors behind you
Keep your windows locked
Avoid taking a Uber, Taxi, Lyft, etc. by yourself
Do not get into an Uber, Taxi, Lyft, etc. with someone you do not know
Make sure to watch your drink being poured
Never put a drink down or leave it unattended
Don't drink too much
Be careful talking to men you do not know
