Those who have recently moved, or simply visiting, a city completely new to them often feel unsafe and unsure in their new surroundings.
Even if they likely aren't in any immediate danger, they still might feel worried or intimidated to go out, particularly on their own.
Unless, of course, they are experienced city dwellers, and have a well developed set of street-smart skills.
Redditor egalCriminal69 was curious to learn the best tips from the most alert and attentive Reddit users on how to stay aware of your surroundings and handle possibly unsafe situations, leading them to ask:
"People with street-smarts, what is ur best street tips?"
Best not to get involved
"No shame in running away from a fight."- SuvenPan·
Always be open to alternatives
"There's more than one way to get home."
"If you see something shady going on on your normal route you're better off taking the long way than getting involved with whatever is happening."- RedPanther1
Show confidence... even if you arent...
"Always act like you know where you are going."- Grenuille
GIF by Town & KeyGiphySometimes bringing attention to yourself pays off...
"Know that criminals rely on their victims to be polite and not cause a scene or draw attention to themselves."
"When something happens to you, scream and shout."
"Make it known you’re in danger."- brkh47
Be aware of your surroundings, and hold on to your belongings
"If you're in a big town or a city and a group of kids surround you, keep your hands in your pockets and don't let them get behind you."
"Some will try to distract you while others pickpocket you."- Melonmode
How long have you got...
"There is no good reason to loiter in a city, especially at night."
"Stay moving."
"Look at street signs and sh*t only long enough to know where you are."
"Walk quickly, but like you're in a hurry to go somewhere, not leave where you are."
"Mind your business."
"Any yelling, fighting, or any source of commotion should be ignored."
"Move away from it immediately--you have more important shit to do, act like it."
"If someone calls out to you or tries to stop you, don't break stride."
"Respond immediately by briefly glancing at their face, their eyes, and their hands, in that order."
"Immediately look back in your direction of travel, shake your head and loudly say 'I got sh*t going on'."
"Keep moving."
"If they persist, just repeat it while walking away."
"A stressed, visibly engaged person looks dangerous."
"Cultivate a pissed-off expression."
"Not 'bad@ss', don't try to look like someone you're not."
"Just look mad, inconvenienced, and on the way to deal with it."
"Don't hold eye contact longer than four seconds, and don't break it faster than two."
"When you break eye contact, glance down to diffuse a situation, and look away to the side to display confidence."
"Break one law at a time."
"If you're doing nefarious sh*t, dress like you're on the way to or from work."
"Make sure your car is sorted, all lights work, tags are current, full tank of gas, etc."
"Keep your speed within five MPH of the posted limit."
"Don't have bumper stickers, window decals, or anything hanging from the rearview mirror."
"Wear your f*cking seatbelt."
"Unless you absolutely know you need a gun, just don't f*ck with them."
"Never keep it on you."
"Never carry drugs, stolen sh*t, or anything illegal with a gun, and don't keep or store any of that stuff in the same place as a gun."
"Anything + a gun = much longer sentencing guidelines, and mandatory minimums."
"Just don't f*ck with guns."
"Never let someone force you into a car, an alleyway, inside a house, anything."
"Never."
"No matter what the situation, your odds are better if you fight or run."
"If someone pulls a gun on you and is farther away than about 15-20 feet, run away from them at an angle."
"It is a lot harder to hit a moving target with a handgun than most people realize."
"Even if you know how to fight, avoid it whenever possible."
"Graveyards are full of people who thought they were hard."
"If any of this is something you have to think about on a regular basis, change your life."
"This is not the way people are supposed to live."- kiloheavy
Don't text and drive... or walk!
"Stay THE F*CK off your phone and pay attention to your surroundings."
"Best way to get knocked over the head and your pockets ran is with your nose in your phone and your earbuds in."- mediaG33K
Sometimes best NOT to give the benefit of the doubt...
"Don't talk to any strangers and don't let them stop you on the street."
"Just keep walking."- gmilfmoneymilk·
Vivien Leigh Quote GIF by Top 100 Movie Quotes of All TimeGiphyNo matter where you are, it's always best to be aware of your surroundings.
And whenever possible, wise to avoid walking alone at night.
That's why we have Lyft.
Lena Dunham Shows Off Her Massive New Neck Tattoo 'Labeling' Herself As The Thing That Scares Her Most
Lena Dunham just got a new tattoo, and she's showing it to the world to help spread a message: It's okay to be "sick."
Dunham had suffered from the chronic pain and heavy bleeding associated with endometriosis for years. She finally elected to undergo a total hysterectomy to relieve the symptoms after less invasive corrective measures were unsuccessful.
She has made no secret of her condition, and continues to be a vocal advocate for endometriosis awareness.
Her tattoo is a symbol of that journey and a defiance of the stigma that comes with being sick, both from society at large and the internalized feelings that come with being chronically ill.
"Sometimes the thing you're most scared of being called is the best thing you can call yourself, and to my sisters in this dizzying but starry slog- i am lasso'd to you!"
Lena is no stranger to using her body as a canvas to increase awareness. Here is a time she used her torso to send a message.
And another instance where she literally wears her heart on her sleeve.
The Mayo Clinic defines endometriosis as:
"An often painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus. Endometriosis most commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis."
Dunham has been frank and open about her treatment journey, and how the condition affected her life. In an essay for Vogue, she gave intimate details of living with endometriosis and the decision process that led to her total hysterectomy at 31 years old.
She revealed heartbreaking little details that many don't talk about, like dealing with the question that is a standard in medical care: "Is there any chance you could be pregnant?"
"I'm getting used to this—the repetition of a mandatory question about my fertility and my half-rehearsed answer, something playful so she won't feel too awkward about having reminded a very young woman of what she will never have."
The decision to have a hysterectomy wasn't made lightly; Lena had a less invasive corrective surgery in 2018 and doctors thought she was endometriosis-free.
During the 2018 MET Gala in New York City, she was rushed to the hospital for complications from the surgery. Doctors then discovered more endometriosis. It was then that Dunham and her medical team decided that a total hysterectomy was the best option.
On the 9 month anniversary of her surgery, Dunham shared a photo to celebrate the freedom that it gave her, but also remember the cost:
"My body is mostly healed and every day I find a new bruise on my heart, but today I offer myself gratitude: from the most pained place, I somehow knew to choose myself.
"The purest glint of who we are and know we can be is always available to us, calm and true at our center."
It is surprising that there is so little discussion about endometriosis in general; the condition is estimated to affect 1 in 10 women!
Misdiagnosis of endometriosis is also common, and a huge issue. A study of women in Norway found that there was a delay of between 3 and 11 years between the onset of endometriosis symptoms and when a diagnosis was finally made.
Countries where effective diagnosis is reached earlier can be explained by early clinical intervention, but also by the patients' knowledge of the conditions and its symptoms. The authors write "Knowledge of women about the disease and its most prevalent symptoms seems to be important."
Don't just leave it up to the medical professionals; arm yourself with knowledge.
For a condition that affects so many, it is relatively unknown. Efforts from public figures like Dunham toward public awareness are sorely needed.
You can learn more about the condition here. Chances are high that someone very important to you will be glad of your understanding.
LSD usage has been known to trigger altered thoughts and feelings as well as increased awareness of one's surroundings. LSD has been used for reasons both recreational and spiritual.
This was the basis behind today's burning question from Redditor ZealPoseidon, who asked: "Redditors who have tried LSD, what was your most profound realization?"