The Internet is replete with tips for women that will supposedly make us safer. Most of these center around restricting women's choices.

Don't go out at night; Don't go anywhere alone; Don't use public transportation; Don't follow a routine; Don't hike: Don't exercise in public; Don't work a late shift; Don't wear a specific article of clothing or a particular accessory, etc.

What does it really take to enhance your personal security in public places? The answer is simple : safety is not found in your actions or your attire so much as in your attentiveness and your attitude.

We are given conflicting signals by a culture which tells us that we are required to always be friendly and approachable lest we offend anyone. At the same time we are warned that the world is full of danger for the lone woman and that we must be fearful at all times or suffer the consequences. Neither of these societal expectations is reasonable or healthy.

To build a more sane approach to living in this world you can take the "advice" on those scary lists with a grain of salt and use your own intuition and common sense instead. Regardless of where you are or what you are wearing, the most likely contributing factors in a criminal's decision to attack you are:

 

1. His assessment that the you are not aware of your environment (so he can surprise you when you are not prepared to respond)
2. Whether he thinks you will fight back or not (even a large attacker doesn't want to get his eyes gouged or attract the attention of witnesses).

Learn to calmly and consistently scan your surroundings so you will notice anything troubling or suspicious before it becomes an immediate threat to you. Tune in to what is going on around you and stay in the moment rather than letting your mind race over your "to do" list. Creating a quiet space in your mind is what allows you to pay attention to your gut feelings. This is a healthy way to keep yourself safer without feeling fear and anxiety on a constant basis.

Carry yourself with confidence and make direct eye contact with the people around you. This simple act will give off signals that you are not afraid. Take into account that even basic training in self defense or weapons use can provide real confidence that you are able to take care of yourself. Remember, other people have the same instinctive abilities you do and may be able to discern your level of assertiveness at first glance. Anyone looking for easy prey will be discouraged from targeting you.

These are real and reasonable steps you can take to make yourself safer in public places. Implementing these practices in your daily life can actually open up a whole new world of choices. Enjoy this newfound freedom wherever you go and whatever you wear.

Shasta Daisy McCarty © 2008, The Self Defense Source http://www.selfdefensesource.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shasta_Daisy_McCarty