“There’s no harm in hoping for the best as long as you’ve prepared for the worst.” Stephen King
I have a confession. I love watching murder documentaries, true crime shows, and anything involving a suspicious husband, a missing person, or a detective who knows something isn’t adding up.
Some women relax with romantic comedies. I apparently unwind by studying how not to end up on Dateline.
I call it continuing education.
And before anyone questions my choice of entertainment, I actually pay attention. The warning signs. The strange behavior. The little details people brushed off because they didn’t want to seem rude, dramatic, or paranoid.
Which brings me to something I feel strongly about.
Ladies, listen to your gut.
Animals have survival instincts for a reason. A deer doesn’t hear something moving in the bushes and stop to consider whether running away might hurt the predator’s feelings. It gets out of there. Because ignoring danger in the animal kingdom can mean becoming somebody else’s lunch.
Yet we women will stand there questioning ourselves.
Maybe I’m overreacting.
Maybe he’s just being friendly.
Maybe I’m imagining things.
Nope. You don’t need a signed confession, three witnesses, and a detective from the homicide division to give yourself permission to leave an uncomfortable situation.
Not every uneasy feeling means danger, and instincts aren’t foolproof. But you are absolutely allowed to trust yourself enough to walk away.
And for the record, being polite to a stranger is not more important than getting home safely.
Personal safety isn’t about living scared
I refuse to spend my life afraid of everything. I’m going to travel, go shopping, meet people, take walks, and live my life.
But I’m also going to pay attention.
True security isn’t just about protecting your digital identity or locking your doors. It’s about feeling confident and prepared wherever you go.
Whether you’re walking across a college campus, commuting late, traveling solo, or crossing a parking lot after dark, a little preparation makes sense.
And no, I’m not suggesting you need to carry enough equipment to survive a zombie apocalypse.
Although, based on some of the things I’ve watched, I’ve considered it.
Build your everyday readiness kit
I like the idea of a small everyday carry (EDC) kit. Things you can keep in your purse, backpack, or car without looking like you’re preparing for a military operation.
Here are a few things worth considering.
Personal safety alarms
A small alarm attached to your keys or purse can make a loud noise when activated, helping draw attention if you need assistance.
Look for something easy to reach and operate.
Because an emergency is not when you want to discover your safety device requires a seven-step activation process.
Stun guns and personal protection devices
Compact stun guns, pepper gel, and other personal protection devices are options some women consider for their everyday safety kits.
I understand the appeal of having another option available.
But I also believe in knowing exactly what you’re carrying. Understand the device’s limitations, follow manufacturer instructions, learn applicable laws, and store it safely.
These devices aren’t harmless, and they’re not guarantees of protection. They’re tools that require responsible decisions.
And remember, the goal isn’t to win a confrontation. The goal is to get somewhere safe.
Compact flashlights
Not exactly glamorous, but incredibly useful.
A small rechargeable flashlight can help you find your keys, navigate dark areas, or see what’s around you.
Sometimes the most practical item in your purse isn’t the prettiest one.
Portable phone chargers
Ladies, your phone sitting at 2% battery while you’re out alone is not the adventure we need.
Keep a compact charger available so you can contact someone, navigate, or access emergency services when necessary.
Don’t forget digital safety
The world has changed. Protecting yourself also means protecting your information.
My everyday readiness recommendations include digital tools such as:
- Privacy screen protectors: Help prevent people sitting beside you from casually reading your screen.
- Hardware security keys: Add phishing-resistant protection to compatible accounts.
- Emergency phone settings: Set up emergency contacts, learn your phone’s SOS features, and review who has access to your location.
- Strong account security: Use unique passwords and multifactor authentication.
Nobody needs a stranger looking over their shoulder while they’re checking their bank account.
And nobody needs to discover their accounts have been compromised because they clicked a suspicious message.
That’s an entirely different kind of crime documentary.
What watching true crime has taught me
Besides making me suspicious of anyone who says, “I have a great life insurance policy on my spouse.”
I’ve learned that paying attention to behavior matters.
Someone ignoring your boundaries, refusing to take no for an answer, trying to isolate you, or repeatedly making you uncomfortable deserves your attention.
You don’t have to explain away behavior that concerns you.
Make an excuse. Leave. Call someone. Ask for help. Do whatever is appropriate to put yourself in a safer situation.
And please don’t mistake this for blaming anyone who has experienced violence. The responsibility always belongs to the person who chooses to harm someone. No one can predict or prevent every dangerous situation.
I just want women to feel comfortable making decisions that protect their own well-being.
We spend so much time being taught to smile, be nice, and avoid making scenes.
Sometimes making a scene is perfectly acceptable.
Shop my personal protection & everyday readiness picks
I’ve put together a collection of practical safety essentials and everyday tools in my Amazon storefront.
Whether you’re building your own kit, sending a daughter off to college, commuting, or traveling on your own, you can explore options that fit your lifestyle.
Featured product links:
- TEKRKEJ 668 stun gun with flashlight
- TEKRKEJ folding stun gun, pink
- Black stun gun
- Tactical pen with glass breaker
A final thought from someone who watches entirely too much murder TV
I hope none of us ever needs a personal alarm, a defensive device, or an emergency plan.
I hope the strange noise outside really is just a raccoon. I hope the person walking behind you really is just going in the same direction. And I hope all those true crime documentaries are nothing more than my questionable choice of entertainment.
But I also hope women stop dismissing that little voice telling them something isn’t right.
You do not need to prove someone is dangerous before deciding you don’t feel safe around them.
Trust yourself. Pay attention. Be prepared.
And if your gut tells you to leave, leave.
You can worry about being polite once you’re safely home, watching Dateline with the doors locked.
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