26 Essential Safety Tips for Women Living Alone
▼ Summary
– The author describes performing a detailed routine of talking to an imaginary partner when leaving or returning home, especially at night.
– This routine includes announcing departures, fake celebrations upon returning, and making fake phone calls for safety.
– The author wears a fake engagement ring when using ride-share services alone as a protective measure.
– These actions are driven by a stated feeling of paranoia due to a belief that “people are creepy.”
– The author humorously notes that the performance is so elaborate it deserves an award.
Living alone as a woman requires a blend of practical security measures and clever psychological strategies to foster a genuine sense of safety and peace of mind. One highly effective tactic involves creating the illusion that you are not alone. This can be as simple as performing a brief, audible performance for the benefit of any potential observers. For instance, when leaving your home, especially after dark, you might call out loudly as if to a partner inside, saying something like, “I’ve locked the door, be back soon!” or “You’ll have to manage dinner without me tonight.” This auditory signal suggests to anyone nearby that your home is occupied.
The performance can continue upon your return. If you arrive home via a rideshare service at night, you could enthusiastically greet your “roommate” or “partner” from the driveway, acting thrilled to be home and hurrying to the door. Another useful ruse is to fake a phone call, asking the person on the other end to turn on the porch light for you. These small acts of theater can make you a less appealing target by suggesting you have immediate backup inside. Wearing a simple, inexpensive ring on your left hand can also serve as a visual deterrent in situations like solo rideshares, subtly signaling that someone is waiting for you. While it may feel like you deserve an award for your acting skills, these proactive habits are a smart way to manage personal security in a world where being cautious is often a necessary part of daily life.
(Source: BuzzFeed)
