Annalee commented on my
+ At night, when walking home, I glance at the reflections in shop windows to see if anyone is following me. I turn my iPod off. There's been a rash of crime recently on Christopher street - pedestrians are thumped in the back of the head & robbed.
+ I always check around the area before entering my building. The vestibule between the two entry doors can become an easy place for a targeted attack - it happened to a college girlfriend once in Brooklyn.
+ I never have men I am casually dating meet me at my apartment, in fact I never even tell them the cross streets until I feel very comfortable. I once had a stalker; I stand by my right to be discreet.
+ When in doubt, do not engage. I make it a point to not make eye contact while commuting as some men view this as an invitation. (See: Pink Cadillac)
+ I often ignore men who try to get my attention, especially when alone - perhaps they are just asking directions or the time... or perhaps they are preparing to rob/assault me. I'd rather be wrong than wronged.
If any of these sound harsh or rude or unkind, may I remind you that young ladies are socialized to always be likeable, polite, and accomodating. Ted Bundy played masterfully on this socialization, often pretending to be handicapped so the victim would help him into his van, or offering to assist her with her groceries up the stairs. Those women were not rewarded for their good grooming.
In summation, New York is a pretty safe place... but for women, a heightened sense of what's happening around us is necessary.
Listen to your gut, not your friends.
*scorpio*
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