Adult Daily Living Skills: Personal Safety

 

Most people probably don’t generally think of personal safety as an Adult Daily Living Skill but when living independently it is one of the most important skills that you can have. This was a big reminder for me when I was recently followed by a guy in Walmart. As a single woman, I am always aware of my surroundings and I always prioritize my safety. So about two weeks ago, I decided to head out to Walmart late night to purchase a hair product that I needed to finish a style I had been working on all day. Of course, I didn’t quite feel like it but I didn’t want all my hard work to go to waste so although 10pm was approaching I decided to go out anyway.

Figure 1: This is a thumbnail from my YouTube video on “ Adult Daily Living Skills: Personal Safety where I have a surprised look on my face with my hand on my right cheek”.

When I do go out after dark I usually, don’t bring a purse and I always have my pepper spray with me. Taking a purse late at night is an indicator that you definitely may have some values like a wallet and other things so I always opt to take just what I need in case something was to happen. This time while I didn’t bring my purse I also didn’t bring my pepper spray which was a mistake. Thank God, I didn’t have to use it but it would have been better to have it on me. Once I got to Walmart, I noticed a guy who gave me a weird feeling as I was getting out of my car.

 

Figure 2: This is a photo of a pink pepper spray canister.

We both kind of looked at each other for a moment and then I decided to walk a distance away in the street instead of getting too close. Eventually I had to walk on the sidewalk near him and he turned around and said, “Are you stalking me? You know women stalk men too.” Now at this point I thought to myself no ma'am and briskly walked past him while laughing nervously. As I got to the hair care aisle and began looking for what I needed I got the feeling that someone was staring at me so immediately I looked around and there he was watching me in the aisle!

 

Figure 3: This is a picture of Michael Myers in his white hockey mask.

 

Guys, I got so nervous and tried to act like I didn’t see him and did I mention he was talking to himself? I didn’t know what he was saying but after about 3-5 minutes he walked away and I got my items and left VERY quickly! I made it home safe but still was a little shaken up so this prompted me to provide you with a few safety tips.

• 1.      If you can avoid going out at night then do so! Also, be sure to let someone know where you are.
• 2.      Travel light. Only bring what you need!
• 3.      Bring a personal safety item like pepper spray.
• 4.      Alert a store associate if you feel uncomfortable and don’t’ go to your car alone if the parking lot is empty.
• 5. If someone is making you uncomfortable, tell them! Most stalkers don’t like confrontation and this may deter them.

Figure 4: This is photo of a red sign that says “Safety First”.

Drop down in the comments and let me know if you have ever been in this situation and how you reacted. Would you have done something differently?  Be sure to check out my latest video below!

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