Maybe you have a master’s degree. Maybe you’re about to attend a science conference in another city. Perhaps you’re a lover of literature and French philosophy, a natural at picking up languages, or blessed with an incredible memory.
Those are all wonderful skills and impressive achievements. But being book smart, as valuable as it is, won’t always help in situations that call for a different kind of intelligence—street smarts. That’s the kind of knowledge that can get you out of trouble and, in some cases, even save your life.
When Redditors MajorInstruction2522 and yves_san_lorenzo asked people to share their best street smart advice, the responses came flooding in. Here are some of the most useful tips—you never know when they might come in handy.
More info: Reddit
#1
Men don’t ask strange women to help them moving or lifting something, they ask other men. If a strange man asks you to help him move something, get away quickly.
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#2
Don’t accept drinks from people you do not know.
Never leave your drinks unattended.
If someone puts anything in your drink, like a straw, don’t drink it.
Image credits: iwishiwasascienceguy
#3
For parents – teach our kids that adults your kids do not know have no business asking kids for help or assistance of any kind. Get away fast.
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#4
Never go to a secondary location. And if you do, try and throw em off their rhythm.
Image credits: roipoiboy
#5
If a situation doesn’t feel right…it ain’t right. Leave.
You’ll know. It’s like a wave that overcomes you. Just leave. Cross the street. Turn the car around. Walk out the door you came in. Somethings about to happen.
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#6
Pay attention to your surroundings.
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#7
Walk like you mean business. Head straight, shoulders back and confident pace. Never stop for anyone you don’t know and stay aware of your surroundings.
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#8
You don’t owe people anything. You dont owe them explanations, courtesy, etc. People that are out to scam or take advantage of you are looking for an easy mark, so make it clear that you are not one. You don’t have to be rude, tough or aggressive, but you do need to be firm and keep moving. You don’t have to listen their story, you don’t need to explain your answer. No excuses, no qualifications of the no, just no goodbye ignore anything else that gets said and keep on walking.
Image credits: anon
#9
I always lived in big cities and I used to travel a ton for work. I have so much experience of scary and weird situations with creepy, entitled men. Married business dudes on work trips are the pushiest. Trust your gut. Don’t be afraid to do things like cross the street or walk into a store etc. if a man is making you uncomfortable.
If a man persists in trying to talk to you after you’ve ignored him or if he’s doing things like gesturing for you to take out your AirPods don’t be afraid to shout “LEAVE ME ALONE”. Other people nearby will stop to look, some might start filming. I’ve used this before. It really gets people’s attention. I used to worry about making a scene but not any more.
You don’t owe anyone your attention or your politeness, especially not random men who come up to you on the street, in coffee shops etc.
The most imported thing is to trust your gut.
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#10
Just act like you belong there.. nothing else will get you in more trouble than looking like a tourist in somebody else’s Hood / neighborhood.
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#11
If you’re walking home late at night DONT WEAR HEADPHONES. Always be aware of your surroundings especially when it’s dark out.
Image credits: the-eyehole-man
#12
As someone who grew up in a country with very high crime stats, this is something my mom taught me when I started going out on my own:
Watch out for men, and if you notice something is off, CROSS THE STREET. I have no idea how many times this advice has saved me.
While it is true that some people get offended, your safety >>> their feelings.
Image credits: crazycatlady9183
#13
Your gut feeling/instinct is your brain processing information faster than you can consciously perceive it. All of a sudden get a bad feeling about a situation, get out.
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#14
If people try to mug you with a knife, give them everything you have.
Things are replaceable. You are too, but you might want to live.
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#15
Practice the phrase “I don’t have any money”.
Image credits: anon
#16
For your own sanity, learn not to make eye contact.
Image credits: anon
#17
Don’t turn right from the left lane.
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#18
A locked car does not deter a thief. Keep that baby as empty as possible!
A couple days ago, I saw a purse left in the passenger seat in broad daylight. That is a terrible idea!!!
Image credits: laterdude
#19
Don’t be distracted, keep your earbuds out. Don’t be on your phone while walking somewhere shady. Be alert.
Image credits: EvilMemelord
#20
If someone approaches you and asks what time it is don’t pull out your phone and tell them. Just say you don’t know.
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#21
If you see something going down, get moving. Don’t stand there and watch unless you’re willing to become a part of it. DO NOT pull your phone and and start recording. Get somewhere safe then decide what to do.
Image credits: VacuumsCantSpell
#22
1. Never stay seated or shrink away when someone crowds you. Jump up, push away, move decisively. Say you have to go, have to get to the bathroom, just move. Shove at him and say loudly “let me OUT!”
2. Be ready to yell, make noise, ring doorbells, use a personal siren alarm, call him a creep over and over and just keep getting louder and louder. You don’t need to keep quiet to avoid disrupting others. They should WANT to help make you safe. People want a safe community. They can’t have one if dangerous men aren’t called out. They can’t know to help you if you don’t make noise.
3. If someone is in your home unwanted, has come into your dorm room and won’t leave when you want them to, then *it’s not your safe home anymore.* If you stay there with them, you are less safe. **Get out!** Get outside where they can’t control you. Right away. As soon as you can. Stand up, say you have to pee, and walk out of the house, then run. Leave them in the house, it’s not your home while they are in it, your body is your only home at that moment, and you have to get it away from someone who wants to do you harm.
Everything can be dealt with after you get out. Staying will get you hurt.
Image credits: sezit
#23
Trust your gut. If you feel like something is wrong and you don’t know why, don’t dismiss that feeling. Something is wrong. You just haven’t pieced together all of the little things that you observed that made you react that way. It may be your automatic inclination to talk yourself out of it because listening to your gut likely requires you to change your plan or behavior (don’t get out of your car when you’re about to open the door, don’t give that guy your number when he’s been nothing but friendly) over a feeling that’s “probably nothing.”
Never choose politeness over trusting your intuition. There are far worse things than being rude or aggressive with someone who is raising your internal alarm. If your dog randomly “doesn’t like” someone, YOU know there’s something wrong with that person. Your dog is picking up what you’re not acknowledging, from you.
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#24
If someone approaches you and says they lost their wallet/phone, DO NOT reach for your wallet or phone. This is most likely a pickpocketer/thief and by you checking your pocket or bag where your phone/wallet is you have just told them where you keep it. Just say you can’t help in a calm but assertive tone and move on.
If someone is causing a commotion, it more than likely is a distraction for a crime they are committing (like stealing from you).
If someone is talking out loud/playing loud music/seems mentally ill, they are most likely looking for confrontation or a fight. Mind your own business.
Image credits: anon
#25
The thing about street fights…
…the street always wins.
Image credits: MidvalleyFreak
#26
No man (as in a stranger) needs your help. Ever. A man asking a woman for help is only ever up to no good (think ted bundy asking women to help him put something in his car). A normal dude does not approach a random woman for help because they KNOW it’s off.
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#27
If you don’t belong somewhere assume people will know that.
Don’t get into a fight but if you do, fighting fair is for loosers.
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#28
If you’re a woman: dress like a man. Hoodie, baggie clothes, hat etc. It helps ward off the street harassment a tiny bit.
Image credits: bee-sting
#29
You kids get yourselves a money clip. You can get these at any haberdashery. You put a $50 dollar in the money clip. Then, when a guy flashes a blade, you go, “You want my money? Go get it!”.
Image credits: ydktbh
#30
Just keep walking, never give them your eye contact.
Image credits: badlucklouise
#31
I see a lot of comments that say to watch out for strange men but you should also be aware that it’s common now for women and children to look distressed and ask for help to lure you somewhere. You’re more likely to help someone in distress because you’re a woman. Empathy is a great quality – but don’t trust anyone. If you’re genuinely concerned for someone asking for help randomly on the street, call the police and keep moving.
Unrelated, but always wear shoes you can run in if you’re alone. Sneakers or boots.
Lastly, I agree with the comments that say to look annoyed or to walk with a purpose. You’re a more high risk target if you look like you’ll put up a fight and likely will be left alone.
Image credits: rrikasuave
#32
Don’t stare.
Image credits: anon
#33
If you ever come to NYC, walk fast. Take the normal speed you walk now, and walk 50% faster or move out of the way. They don’t take kindly to slow walkers.
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#34
Know where you’re going. Move with intent and purpose. If you are lost or don’t know where you are going, go to a place where you can figure it out. Do not wander aimlessly.
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#35
Nobody will watch your back for you like you.
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#36
Trust your instincts. If it feels weird or off, it is. Move out. Leave. Act like you know nothing about anything. You don’t know your friends even.
Believe nothing you hear and only half of what you see. Everything is a scam. Everyone wants something from you.
Nothing in this world is free. Everything has a price attached to it.
Mind your own business.
Keep your mouth shut. You don’t know anything. You didn’t see anything. Gossip will get you hurt.
If you are being robbed give it to them.
Always attack first. If it appears that someone is planning on harming you, 100% of the time act first. If you can’t get away become a rage demon and attack with viciousness. Rip, tear, bite, claw.
Above all else, don’t be in the streets. Avoid that life at all costs. I lived in one of the worst hoods as a teen in Tampa. I stayed inside. I saw people fight and die. Going to school was dangerous but I kept to myself.
Image credits: UniqueFlavors
#37
Considering I grew up in and near ghettos… I’d say I have some advice that goes for both.
1. Stay alert. Don’t walk around with earbuds in or phone out.
2. Don’t draw attention to yourself. This could be actions or clothing.
3. Move with purpose.
4. Don’t be lost.
5. Keep any valuables out of sight, such as a purse.
6. Keep a concealed weapon, like pepper spray or a gun.
7. Be respectful. If a guy hits on you, don’t immediately attack his pride, especially if he’s with a group of friends… You could get jumped or worse. There’s a time and place to be offended, and being alone and outnumbered isn’t it.
Image credits: DestinyForNone
#38
No matter how bad you want to don’t trust anybody.
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