40 “Street Smart” Tips That Everyone Should Know

I was advised to carry an umbrella and go total Simpsons cat lady.

In my case growling like a dog worked lol and I don't know why I went right for that! Oh hang on might be, because I'm a bit mad but in a nice awww look crazy auntie kind of way

first rule of unarmed combat: Don't be unarmed. Anything is a weapon.

Nope. Wouldn't work in my country. Especially if rape or abduction is the motive.

This reminds me of a karate teacher I had who suggested you could confuse your opponent in a fight long enough to either take him down or run away, by doing something crazy. He would bring up Bugs Bunny, who, when faced with a possible fight with someone, would kiss them on the lips.

Same with a book.

Or anything, for that matter.

True with anything in life. And if you do choose to loan any significant amount of money always have it in writing signed by both parties. Even if you would never take them to court, it avoids later confusion about what terms you both agreed upon. Sadly, this is probably most useful with relatives.

This is why I hoard my chocolate like a dragon hoarding gold

This is one of the most important lessons that, unfortunately, most people don't think much about until it's happened to them!

There’s good logic behind this one ✅

What is bearings?

This assumes that there are available benches. A lot of cities have adopted infrastructure which is hostile to having public places to sit.

I need to know why the white guy doesn't have eyebrows.

true even if you are not lost. Just generally don't look like a bewildered rube even if that is how you are feeling on the inside.

and clean, not fancy, stylish... but clean

This is making huge inaccurate and stereotypical generalizations that can be dangerous and harmful.

That sounds naive and dangerous.

Low income you will still see pride in ownership (rentership?), pride in general vs who gives a fück.

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Also, the line "Sorry, I've got s**t to do!" pairs beautifully with this attitude. You don't even slow down, and often the other person will apologize for bothering you.

I go to Paris fairly regularly & often alone. When riding the Metro I always have my “grocery/errand list”: I write out my directions on a small piece of paper & use it as reference. * No matter how excited I am to be in Paris I make a point to look bored on the Metro- like I’ve rode it all my life. You don’t want to be trying to understand the Metro map @ a station. When riding the Metro with others if you get separated at a station with one person on the train & one off, the person on the train gets off @ the next station & waits for the other person to catch up. Try to learn some of the language “I’m sorry I don’t speak French” “good morning/ good day & good evening “ “please” “thank you” it always goes a long way. Yes most Parisians speak English- if you make an effort to speak French it’s appreciated. Dress to blend in. It’s always better to be too quiet than too loud. Be gracious: you are a guest in their country; paying for something doesn’t give you the right to be rude.

There is a caveat. I'm so good at my purposeful look that people are intimidated by me. I'm a fluffy marshmallow, and no one knows it.

Yes. And looking like you have no fear. (I don't mean aggressive, just not fearful). People tend to assume you are confident because you know how to fight, are armed, have friends close by or something that is making you confident. This once saved me from a 2 AM mugging in Seattle.

Amy Beckler

Amy Beckler

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Geez. When I see all these folks staring at their cell phones? Mind control made easy...

I've given two people my phone to make a call. Not the smartest idea, but I'm glad I could help out

Not the same scenario, and this is good advice, but on a related note: a man once came to my door (I'm in a rural area) and asked to use my phone. The dogs hated him, and he was afraid of them and unarmed, so I handed it through a slot in the door. He made his phone call and took off. About an hour the cops came looking for a man who had robbed someone's house up the road and was on the run. I was able to give them the phone number he called and description of his tattoos. They caught him.

Barefoot heroin addict wanted to use my phone surrounded by her friends at a protest in San Francisco once. Nope

LOL I hesitate when I hand it to a telecom sales guy when I need something done!

Also, if someone asks you for the time and you’re not wearing a cheap watch, you don’t have the time. Don’t flash your expensive watch or pull out your smartphone. “Sorry, can’t help you” can save you from being mugged.

This is the plain and simple truth. We’re not a bunch of Supermen and Wonderwomen, none of us can be strong all the time, we’re human beings and human beings have breaking points. It can’t be helped. It doesn’t make us worth any less though.

My old martial arts instructor called it "running with courage."