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.
45points
#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.
Never leave your drinks unattended.
If someone puts anything in your drink, like a straw, don’t drink it.
Report
44points
#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.
40points
#4
Never go to a secondary location. And if you do, try and throw em off their rhythm.
38points
#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.
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.
37points
#6
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.
36points
#7
Pay attention to your surroundings.
35points
#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.
35points
#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.
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.
34points
#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.
30points
#11
If you’re walking home late at night DONT WEAR HEADPHONES. Always be aware of your surroundings especially when it’s dark out.
30points
#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.
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.
30points
#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.
29points
#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.
Things are replaceable. You are too, but you might want to live.
27points
#15
Practice the phrase "I don't have any money".
27points
#16
My fiancé suggests that if you've got to walk somewhere, text someone trusted before you leave where you're going and the route you're taking, so if you disappear they have a solid starting point to look for you.
My sister is also an escort living in LA and someone attempted to mug her one night. She said go feral, most guys are weenies and aren't as prepared to put up with a fight as you would think.
My sister is also an escort living in LA and someone attempted to mug her one night. She said go feral, most guys are weenies and aren't as prepared to put up with a fight as you would think.
Report
27points
#18
Don't turn right from the left lane.
21points
#19
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!!!
A couple days ago, I saw a purse left in the passenger seat in broad daylight. That is a terrible idea!!!
Report
21points
#20
Don’t be distracted, keep your earbuds out. Don’t be on your phone while walking somewhere shady. Be alert.
20points