As we get older, safety becomes more about awareness and preparation than physical confrontation. Many potential attackers make quick decisions based on how someone looks, walks, and responds to their environment. Fortunately, there are a few simple but powerful ways to make yourself a less attractive target. These strategies don’t rely on physical strength—they rely on how you present yourself, what you notice, and how you react. Here’s how to make a strong impression that keeps threats at bay.
1. Look Stronger Than You Feel
How you carry yourself can speak volumes. Attackers tend to go for those who look vulnerable, not necessarily those who are. If you’re walking with your head down, shoulders slouched, and a visible limp or hesitation, you’re sending out signals that you might be an easy target. But walking with purpose, keeping your head up and your shoulders back, can flip that perception. Even if you’re tired or dealing with aches, standing tall and walking with confidence can make someone think twice before approaching you. You don’t need to be in peak shape—just give off the impression that you’re alert and capable.
2. Always Scan Your Surroundings
Before stepping into any space—whether it’s a parking lot, alley, park, or even a store—take a few seconds to scan the area. Look for anything unusual, like someone lingering in a shadow or leaning against a wall with no clear reason to be there. If you notice someone who makes you feel uneasy, choose a different path or wait until the area clears. It’s much easier to avoid a bad situation than to deal with one once it starts. This quick habit of checking your environment can give you a significant advantage.
3. Make Eye Contact With People Who Enter Your Space
When someone gets close, it’s natural to want to look away, but avoiding eye contact can signal fear or uncertainty. On the other hand, making direct eye contact shows that you’re aware of them and not afraid to acknowledge their presence. This is important because most attackers prefer to catch their victims off guard. If you’ve already looked them in the eye, you’ve taken away their element of surprise. It also shows a level of self-assurance that might make them rethink their plans.
4. Use Bluff Statements to Suggest You’re Not Alone
If you ever feel uneasy about someone approaching, a quick statement can shift the situation. Mention that a friend, spouse, or family member is just a few steps behind or about to join you. For example, saying something like, “My son-in-law is just coming out of the store,” or “I’m waiting for my friend who’s parking the car,” can be enough to make someone move on. Adding a little detail, like a description of a large or intimidating relative, makes the bluff more believable. Even if no one’s actually with you, this kind of casual mention can change the attacker’s risk assessment.
5. Subtly Suggest You May Be Armed
Without needing to say a word, you can imply that you’re not defenseless. A simple movement—like placing a hand near your waist or into a pocket—can suggest you might have something there for protection. You don’t need to pull anything out or make threats. The goal is to create uncertainty. If someone is sizing you up and suddenly thinks there’s a chance you might be carrying something they don’t want to deal with, that could be enough to stop them in their tracks. Even just shifting your stance in a way that signals readiness can be effective.
These strategies aren’t about confrontation—they’re about confidence, awareness, and creating doubt in the mind of anyone who might be looking for an easy target. A few small changes in how you move, observe, and speak can help you stay safe and avoid trouble before it ever begins.
