That moment I realized looking tough makes you a target, not safer

I used to walk around with this hard face and puffed out chest thinking people would leave me alone. Then last month around 2 AM at a 7-Eleven in Phoenix this big dude clocked me from across the lot and walked straight up talking trash. My buddy who's a bouncer told me later that aggressive posture screams 'I'm ready to fight' and that's exactly who predators look for. He said to keep your eyes down, walk with purpose but relaxed, and blend in like you belong. Has anyone else noticed how the calmest people in sketchy spots never get bothered?

2 comments

2 Comments

zarapalmer10d ago

Bouncer friend's advice is spot on. Had a guy in Chicago tell me the same thing, said he watched fights break out for years and it's always the dude with the hard stare and stiff shoulders that gets checked first. Walk with your hands out of your pockets, keep your head up but not locking eyes with everyone, and move like you know exactly where you're going even if you don't. Predators want easy prey or someone who's gonna react loud and aggressive, neither of which is the calm person just grabbing their Gatorade and leaving.

willow67210d ago

Eh @zarapalmer, feels a bit dramatic. It's just a gas station.