I’m Often worried about being hurt in public

bignosegirly0

I think ever since I’ve shown more interest in women telling their stories regarding being victims of abuse from men, I’ve been worried about my safety whenever I go out in public alone.

I’m not new to going out by myself. I’ve done it since college and had no concern. However, for the past few months, I’m constantly worried about something horrible happening to me. It doesn’t help considering I live in a place where crack addicts hang around.

99% of the time, I’m safe. But I’m still worried something bad will happen.

How do I deal with this unknown fear?

briannat

Hey @bignosegirly0

I think as a woman (unfortunately) it's not surprising to hear that you feel this way, I know for me something that helps me feel safe when I leave the house or when I'm outside is being aware of my surroundings, not having my music too loud in my headphones so I can hear what's going on, and not stopping or acknowledging strangers trying to get my attention. Sometimes pretending to be on the phone is helpful too, people seem less likely to bother someone who is on the phone. I do want to end this by saying that these are all things you can do to make yourself feel safer, but it's definitely not your responsibility to make sure other people don't hurt you. It's on them to be better people. I also think it's lovely that you've acknowledged that 99% of the time, you're safe. That's huge, and something to focus on whenever you do feel those fears creeping up. Given the world we live in, your fears are valid but that doesn't mean they will necessarily come true. I hope this was helpful