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40 “Street Smart” Tips That Everyone Should Know

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“There is no doubt in my mind street smarts kicks book smarts’ ass,” Scott Berkun claimed once. Despite our best efforts to balance the scales by saying that you need both in order to thrive, being street smart still kicks book smarts’ ass. So we will just leave it at that.

While you can read a couple of books and be well-educated in philosophy, citing Nietzsche probably will do you much good as waving your wallet when you find yourself on the wrong side of the tracks. In order to see what it takes to survive in the 'concrete jungle', we have delved into the depths of the internet to bring you the best street smart tips.

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#1

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know My dad gave me this advice: if you ever think you're about to be mugged or attacked, and you don't know that you could win the fight, act crazy. Talk to yourself, chew on your fingers, p**s your pants if need be. Any group of people can feel safe taking on one dude, no matter how big he is. Nobody wants to f**k with crazy. Crazy doesn't give up when you break his nose, or when you smash his head into the ground. Crazy will keep whaling on you with two broken arms until he physically can't move. Nobody f***s with crazy.

Rhodie114 , Alexander Orihuela Report

Final score:

193points

In the bustling metropolis of modern urban life, having street smarts is similar to having a navigational compass in an unforgiving concrete jungle. Those who embody this discerning quality find themselves adept at reading the city's unspoken rules, mastering the delicate dance of interpersonal dynamics, and weaving through the intricacies of daily encounters with almost preternatural ease. Like Spider-Man but with no latex costume.

Yet, it is not merely a matter of survival - street smarts also embolden its possessor to thrive amid the cacophony of urban life. At least that's what Mark K. Mullins and John A. Kuhn, both accomplished businessmen, claim in their 'Street Smart Disciplines of Successful People' book. Armed with a profound understanding of the city's pulse, street smart folks can negotiate with the finesse of seasoned diplomats, their deft negotiations ensuring favorable outcomes in transactions and exchanges.

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#2

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know Never loan someone money you aren't willing to lose.

lady_cunninglinguist , cottonbro studio Report

Final score:

183points

"I’m not a traditional designer, I've learned more in the streets than in any classroom," Enzo Fusco, a collector of technical and military garments, has once claimed. And it's true. Street smarts enable individuals to adapt quickly to new and challenging situations, whether it's life or creativity.

Street smarts also help people think on their feet, make quick decisions, and adjust to rapidly changing circumstances. We're pretty sure Anthony Bourdain, the renowned American celebrity chef who once lived in Manhattan's tough and legendary neighborhood, Hell's Kitchen, during the early 1980s, undoubtedly grasped the value of street smarts better than most.

#3

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know If you're a tourist and lost, don't stand still to get your bearings. Go sit on a bench and look relaxed, like you're waiting for someone and just passing the time.

Final score:

182points

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#4

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know The difference between a low income and a bad neighborhood, is that in low income ones, people are going places, catching the bus to work, etc. In bad hoods, people are hanging out on street corners appearing to do nothing.

im-buster , Jeremy Weber Report

Final score:

181points

Speaking of putting that street smarts knowledge to good use outside of survival, we were lucky to catch Scott Berkun, the best-selling author of 'Confessions of a Public Speaker', and talk about how it helped him achieve so much in his life. "Whether you're on the street or in any other challenging situation, being street smart compels you to cultivate trust in your own judgment concerning people and what truly holds significance. This skill holds immense value in every aspect of life, regardless of how far removed you are from those initial experiences on the streets," he told Bored Panda in an email.

#5

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know One of the best ive heard for “novice level” street smart levels is always look like you know where you are going and walk with purpose, as youll look like a less easy mark than people nose deep in their phone and looking around confused

crazyrich , El gringo photo Report

Final score:

164points

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#6

In my teens I’d go to the mall regularly and on sundays they closed early but I had forgotten this and didn’t have a cell phone to call for a pick-up so I asked a stranger to use his. He looked conflicted but then asked for the phone number and dialed it himself, confirmed it was a mom, then handed it to me. It took a while for me to realize he just didn’t want his phone to get snatched and stolen, but wherever you are cell phone mall guy you taught me a valuable Street smart lesson about belongings that day.

Funkycatsmathstats Report

Final score:

160points

The biggest difference between street smarts and book smarts, then, is how you acquire the knowledge, Berkun says. "Street smarts place you at the center of the experience, while book smarts involve absorbing someone else's perspective on the world." Street smarts, in other words, are earned through personal exposure to risks and the ability to overcome them, while you can get the smarts from art in the comfort of your home, snugged by a cozy blanket.

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#7

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know Knowing there is no shame in running away from a fight.

SuvenPan , Ketut Subiyanto Report

Final score:

159points

#8

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know When you buy an expensive item, for the love of god…don’t just put the box outside by your trash can. It screams “rob me and my new 50 inch plasma flatscreen!”

[deleted] , bakersfieldnow.com Report

Final score:

151points

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While contemplating and mentally preparing have their merits, Berkun, who also admits to being a book nerd himself, firmly believes that envisioning how to handle tough situations is a far cry from the actual experience.

#9

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know If a stranger is being helpful and helping you get somewhere be incredibly mindful of that.

ThisTimeJust30rock , Mental Health America (MHA) Report

Final score:

131points

#10

Ok, I live in a dangerous country, here are my street smart tips:

* 1) Don't watch people in their eye (maybe split second, or on throat)

* 2) If responding to an ad in the paper for apartment, dont walk with rental deposit in cash. Verify somehow

* 3) Boarding a taxi, text somebody the license plate

* 4) Always tell someone where you're going

* 5) If you go out with someone, text/call each other upon arrival at home

* 6) Driving at night and there is an obstacle in the road, don't stop to remove... drive over or reverse the f**k out of there.

* 7) Buying a used car from someone?. Verify there are no outstanding loans attached to it. Verify the chassis number or something. People have been known to rent cars then sell them

* 8) Study whoever is approaching you and attempt to decipher if they're acting suspicious

* 9) Consider crossing the street when people are approaching you, to make more space between you

* 10) When walking home at nights, walk on the safe side. I.E The side of incoming traffic. So you can see cars approaching you. In the Caribbean cars drive on the left hand side of the road. Walking on the right hand side, a car will never creep up behind you.

* 11) When parking your vehicle in a parking lot, park it in the center or somewhere lit and visible

* 12) Don't leave valuables showing in you car ...like on the seat or something

* 13) If paying someone large sums of cash, pay via check, bankers draft etc, to leave a paper trail. Cash is harder to trace.

* 14) At a stop light ?... Lock all doors and pull up windows. People can open doors and sneak in

* 15) Do not ask anybody for directions. Find someone in uniform or something.

* 16) If you are being followed, DO NOT GO HOME, head to the nearest Police Station. Don't let them know where you leave

* 17) Invest in electronically closing gates. Risky to get out of car to open and close gate

* 18) Consider keeping "rob money" on you. If being mugged you don't want to p**s off the mugger by not having anything to give

* 19) Consider using the same taxi if possible, Or specially designated Licensed taxis. Random taxis may rob you.

* 20) At a party and s**t goes down?. The warring parties may leave to get armed and return afterwards. leave immediately

* 21) Dropping a friend home, let them enter their house/ gate before you drive away.

* 22) Have keys handy upon walking to car/ house

* 23) If an unfamiliar person comes asking questions about the whereabouts of somebody in your area. You do not know.

Final score:

116points

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"Embrace real-life interactions by engaging with the challenge heads on, visiting locations, and immersing yourself in the nitty-gritty aspects of your work. Avoid a hands-off approach," Berkun suggested. "Embracing all experiences, whether positive or negative, will gradually build your confidence, familiarity, and understanding of the world around you."

In other words, learn to be street smart by stepping outside of your comfort zone. Although, don't go steer too far off - it can get a bit nuts and there might not be any internet connection.

#11

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know If you're in a really sh***y neighbourhood, the plain clothes cops have nicer teeth than everyone else. A family member who's actually a cop told me this once. It makes sense if you've ever been in some really rough neighbourhoods.

[deleted] , Brian Tromp Report

Final score:

114points

#12

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know Don’t ever tell the cab driver you don’t know where you’re going.

Difebathk , JÉSHOOTS Report

Final score:

113points

#13

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know Ladies, never hold your purses casually. I know women who've had their bags snatched and there's no chance you can catch the thieves when they're already running and you don't know what just happened. I have an over-the-shoulder purse and I usually feel ok about it, but I still swing it in front of me when I'm in a crowded place.

Also, never believe anyone's sob story when they're asking for money. You won't believe how genuine these people can sound and look - especially those people in train stations saying they only need $X to get to X place, their stuff was stolen, whatever. As a resident of a city, you'll see dozens of people give them money and they'll still be there.

petebean , Tamara Bellis Report

Final score:

106points

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#14

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know If someone describes themselves as "street smart" it means they are not smart.

notjawn , Athena Report

Final score:

103points

#15

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know When in a bad area, keep a confident posture and facial expression. But don't invite too much attention by staring everyone in the face.

FoodAndSauce , Clem Onojeghuo Report

Final score:

103points

#16

I got mugged once, and even though they only got $10 and half a pack of smokes from me, I promised it would never happen again.

Fast forward a few years, a buddy and I are walking home from a party and I'm carrying some gear worth at least $1000. We pass a group of 4 folks, and two of them leave the group and start following us. Down the street are another 2 folks that suddenly start walking towards us. I tell my buddy we're crossing the street. All 6 of them also cross the street with us. Now knowing for sure what was about to happen, I hailed a cab that was passing and we jumped in. My buddy asks 'why are we cabbing it, you live a block away'. I pointed to the 6 guys that were now just staring at the cab. 'Those folks were about to mug us', I say.

NeverFence Report

Final score:

93points

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#17

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know De-escalating and deflecting intense situations.

Knowing how to do that is the ultimate street smart in my book

Cats4Crows , RDNE Stock project Report

Final score:

93points

#18

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know If your "gut" tells you something is off about a situation, trust it and get the f**k out of there. Also in a street fight, all bets are off and everything is fair game to attack, but never hit a man while he is down.

duz32 , Justin Hamilton Report

Final score:

92points

#19

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know If you think you're being followed, casually make a left at each intersection you come across. Repeat this 4 times and if he's still following you, casually call the cops.

thunder1-1 , Darya Sannikova Report

Final score:

91points

#20

My policy is: Walk fast and never stop for anyone. I walk fast, so by the time some piece of s**t has finished his evaluation of my muggability, I'm already gone. I don't stop for anyone I don't already know, f**k politeness, I don't have any business with random strangers and they have no business with me. You want to know what time it is? Get a watch. You want to conduct a survey? F**k you, I don't owe you any data just because you're smiling at me.
Anyone wants to stop me *physically*, you're losing a f*****g eye.

Final score:

90points

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#21

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know This might be obvious, but I've had to use it a few times because of the areas I've lived in.

If somebody drives up to you, do NOT stand right next to the car. If the person is asking you a question or talking to you, step away and stand like you know your s**t. If they're talking too quietly for you to hear exactly what they're saying, they're probably trying to lure you closer (which I learned the hard way). Do not buy into it. If they make any sudden moves, run away in the opposite direction that they're facing and get to a major street or intersection as soon as you can. Even late at night or early in the morning, there will be people on the major roads.

The best advice, though? Trust your instincts, always. If somebody or a place gives you bad vibes, get the f**k away, and do it with confidence. It's better to come off as a b***h to a nice person than a victim to somebody who's looking for one.

Marill_Poffins , cottonbro studio Report

Final score:

88points

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#22

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know The Police don't know anything. That's why they're asking you.

nikko810 , Kindel Media Report

Final score:

79points

#23

My wife grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. She knows her s**t and has been in many sketchy situations. She says that what really matters is to read the room. Disengage if you can, but if you do have to engage be respectful and talk your way out. Even play the ditzy blonde if you have to and make a joke. Run when necessary.

nicktam2010 Report

Final score:

76points

#24

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know Leaving space between you and the car in front of you for an escape

TrialAndAaron , Erik Mclean Report

Final score:

75points

#25

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know A decoy wallet with some small bills and s**t in it is good to carry.

downvotemeufags , Lukas Report

Final score:

73points

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#26

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know If you are in a "bad neighborhood" and someone asks you for the time. Do not pull out your phone to check, and do not look away from this person. They are most likely looking to grab your phone or jump you.

MinnesotaDan , Tim Samuel Report

Final score:

71points

#27

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know If you're driving through a sketchy neighborhood or ghetto area, just roll through the stoplights/stop signs. A friend of mine had to drive through Gary, Indiana around 3:00AM for a job, and a cop pulled him over and told him to just run though the lights. You stop, you are at a much higher risk of getting your car stolen and your a*s beat.

noahconstrictor95 , Wendelin Jacober Report

Final score:

69points

#28

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know Don’t stand near the tracks when your train is approaching.

Cognac_Clinton , Leslie Toh Report

Final score:

69points

#29

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know Never show any money in public. Or count your money in front of everyone in the sidewalk. If you don’t want to be mugged

[deleted] , Karolina Grabowska Report

Final score:

67points

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#30

If someone asks to borrow your phone to call the police because they've just been mugged or something, say you will dial the police for them.

If they say no, they can do it, refuse. They were probably looking to run away with your phone.

Learnt this from brother's streetwise gf while in Paris.

[deleted] Report

Final score:

65points

#31

If a group of people suddenly get down, so do you.

Final score:

65points

#32

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know Don't be oblivious to your surroundings.

Do NOT walk with headphones in your ears at night or in an unfamiliar area.

Don't slouch, keep your shoulders back and your head up so you look like you know your s**t.

Stay in well-lit areas.

Don't keep more than $40 in your wallet at any given time.

Don't give cash to homeless people. Offer to buy them food instead.

Ptolemaeus_II Report

Final score:

64points

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#33

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know I once heard to walk as if "everyone is going to mug you."

I now know that it is best to walk as if you are going to mug everyone.

Predators recognize each other.

PretendsToBeThings Report

Final score:

62points

#34

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know If you take a wrong turn and find yourself lost in a bad neighborhood, don't slow down to look for street signs if there's people loitering nearby. They think you want to buy drugs.

anon , Andrea Piacquadio Report

Final score:

53points

#35

ANY stranger talking to you is a possible threat of violence or a hustle.

Most strangers that talk to you are just being friendly or needs directions, or what ever.

If you’re not a decent fighter sober, you are not by some miracle an mma fighter because you are drunk.

[deleted] Report

Final score:

53points

#36

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know The simplest advice of all: don't put yourself in bad situations.

Read your local crime blotter and a few trends will become obvious: most violent crimes occur after dark, most accidental deaths involve alcohol and cars, and too many people confess to crimes before speaking to an attorney. So get home early, don't drink and drive, and if you're ever arrested, STFU until you speak to your attorney.

Gravy-Leg__ , Ono Kosuki Report

Final score:

51points

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#37

Pay attention esp to someone who is paying YOU attention. Looking around and hand tapping or brushing a pocket is a bad sign. Most people are right handed, so in an altercation step to the side of that arm. They will have to reposition themselves giving you a second or two to defend. If they start repeating a phrase over and over they are going to strike for certain. The brain loses train of thought as they prepare for that. Best one tip really is to just be aware of your surroundings and know the exits. Our phones have greatly reduced this, and its bad. Your tweet, FB update can wait I promise you this. Your goal if attacked is to ESCAPE. Too many internet badasses and action movie watchers think it will end with them standing over a fallen foe doing a victory pose. Your plan will go to s**t 100% once your in a fight. Violence is chaotic and ugly in real life, and death and serious injuries happen all the time from basic assaults.

TheBklynGuy Report

Final score:

51points

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#38

Anytime you feel like you're getting away with a steal, or some guy offers a deal that's too good to be true, it is. Don't do it. People get hustled all the time by charismatic guys who know how to play to the average person.

No self respecting business or whatever will need you to pay anything in cash with no receipt. No one is going to give you something of extreme value for super cheap unless there is something wrong with it, or you're hooked into all kinds of odd fees and s**t. Even a free car still has to have the taxes paid on it. Sorry to sound like such a downer, but 999/1000, you are not just "super lucky". That guy is trying to scam you out of something.

Final score:

46points

#39

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know Knowing the greeting 'Hey, Big Man' is a trap

Bum-Theory , Allan Mas Report

Final score:

45points

#40

40 "Street Smart" Tips That Everyone Should Know Always put cash in you wallet before you exit the store especially when it's dark, and put valuables GPS/Cash/phone under the seat when you enter a store in a shady neighborhood.

swaglessness1 , Karolina Grabowska Report

Final score:

42points

Note: this post originally had 42 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.

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Ignas Vieversys

Ignas is an editor at Bored Panda with an MA in Magazine Journalism. When he is not writing about video games or hunting for interesting stories, chances are that you will find Ignas at the movies.

Ignas is an editor at Bored Panda with an MA in Magazine Journalism. When he is not writing about video games or hunting for interesting stories, chances are that you will find Ignas at the movies.

Gabija Palšytė

Gabija is a photo editor at Bored Panda. Before joining the team, she achieved a Professional Bachelor degree in Photography and has been working as a freelance photographer since. She also has a special place in her heart for film photography, movies and nature.

Gabija is a photo editor at Bored Panda. Before joining the team, she achieved a Professional Bachelor degree in Photography and has been working as a freelance photographer since. She also has a special place in her heart for film photography, movies and nature.

What do you think ?

Gary 1 year ago

Most of these sound like middle class people that have never been to the 'bad neighbourhood'

11points

censorshipsucks 1 year ago

nah, speaking from an african slums perspective, a lot of this is accurate. Some of it is not. For example we seldom have homeless who are "out of it' on drugs/whatever and/or who have a long sob story... mostly those are white beggars who feel that they have to explain why despite decades of privilege they are poor/unemployed. African/black beggars tend to be compos mentis, ask you for money, and are ok if you say no. It's quite rare to be actually mugged/pickpocketed unless you walk busy city streets, in which case you are going to find trouble. Rather drive if you can.

10points

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Leo Domitrix 1 year ago

I have. In fact, whole bad countries. And I verify it's pretty spot on. Walk like you got business to do, keep your eyes off your phone, and just keep walking if you're asked anything. I'm from a poor part of the US, do not consider myself "middle class" but "working class", and we tend to survive better than someone legit middle class (my hubby, for one).

1point

KR Garland 1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

-1point

Lori w 1 year ago

Very repetitive list

9points

Daria 1 year ago (edited)

I've never experienced anything like what is described here. Even in the poorer districts of our city back in the 90s, after the USSR collapse. It's good to know if I ever venture a trip abroad.

6points

Cathy Roberts 1 year ago

Honestly you won't need them in most US places too, unless you're in one of the really big cities. Many of these are just people trying to sound tough.

2points

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Mad McQueen 1 year ago

Women-opt for a shorter false mail or natural nail. Just enough to grab items off a counter easier or to scratch someone. So many ladies can't do anything with 2-3 inch talons because they don't want to break them or mess them up. Vanity can get you killed. An a decoy wallet. Keep expired gift cards and buy some prop cash off wish or Temu to make it look "rich". Toss that one at the robbers or even a fake purse with it inside. Keep your phone in your pocket with id an one bank card for emergencies going out. Don't leave your phone on a table in a bar. It's dark. Anyone can swipe it walking by if you are turned to talk to someone. You don't need it out all the time. Leggings with side pockets are the best. Hard to snatch from and with a fake purse an wallet you are safer. Keep your keys on a lanyard on you neck inside your top. Or on a long necklace. You only need a house key an car key going out. The less you can afford to lose the better.

4points

Leo Domitrix 1 year ago

What pocket in women's clothes holds a modern cell phone?! (Not entirely jesting here. I miss the old tiny flip phones.)

3points

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SpaceFrog 1 year ago

How green are people? Is this not all common sense or have I lived in/visited areas that are worse than I realized?

3points

Mia Black 1 year ago

I can just answer for myself. Many of those advices are not be too new but most of them I don't have do follow. And none of them I have to follow constantly. I am very very glad for this. My whole childhood I had to be on alert because of bullies (stressed me out a lot) but as an adult I only have to if I go to sketchy places or see groups of people that seem to be aggressive or behave like a predator or are drunk and full of energy (near clubs for example). I know there probably are far worse places in my country and I rarely go out so I may not see all the dark spots but on this point I am just thankful that I don't have do be constantly on alert and remember all possible safety 'rules'. And I am glad there may be many people who are that "green" that these are new to them because they are lucky to lived safe

1point

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Katie Lutesinger 1 year ago

I was once waylaid by what we call a "charity mugger", and his pitch was full of red flags similar to what you should look out for in a cult recruiter or scam artists in general: he was VERY charismatic and charming (in fact I still remember him in terms of what a nice, funny guy he was), but he wouldn't give me any literature to look at re. the very important vitamin his group wanted me to help provide to pregnant women in remote areas, the vitamin in question didn't have a name, the organisation didn't have a name, there was no official website or at least none he was prepared to tell me about, he brought up emotionally manipulative stuff about dead babies, but most importantly of all he kept pressuring me to make a snap decision by pretending they were just about to pack up for the day (in fact they were still there two hours later). If they're doing everything they can to stop you from taking time to think before making a decision... run very fast in the opposite direction.

2points

Britnee Eee 1 year ago

Heard this many times before heading to New Orleans but I assume this happens everywhere. While walking down the street if someone (usually guy to guy but I've seen a woman try also) anyway. If someone says "Bet I can tell you where you got your shoes" Don't respond!!! Just leave. If you laugh or say okay that is you accepting the bet.... they are going to tell you. "You got em on your feet". And then expect you to pay them. Whatever they choose. Just leave....

1point

Rens 1 year ago

I grew up in South Africa, left in 1998, last visit was in 2003. Even after all this time living in safer countries (UK and the Netherlands) I am still very cautious and always alert. I'm now disabled, which makes me feel more vulnerable, so I'm always wary when I go out. Some things never leave you.

1point

Jessica SpeLangm 1 year ago

Many of these are good ideas. Some only work in certain parts of the world.

1point

David Jeffery 1 year ago

I don't know, I've been to many different places around the world and have been in what are classified as sketchy areas and I've never had any trouble. I think it's because I'm incredibly boring and I just blend into the background. I'm like Ted from Scrubs; you don't even realise I'm right beside you, although I've been standing there for fifteen minutes. Of course, I'm not going to go out in other more sketchy areas just to prove a point. I have some sense

0points

Headless Horseman 1 year ago

When I was homeless I would wear mens clothing if I needed to walk somewhere at night, put my hood up and wear my natural b***h face lol, even walked differently. The ONE time I wore womens clothing and walked like I normally do, I was harassed and damn near kidnapped. I taught all the gals in my homeless 'group' this trick and the harassment they endured was significantly decreased. We even borrowed our boyfriends clothing if needed, and walked in groups if we could.

0points

Jacob B. 1 year ago

In foreign nations, many of the people there know English, particularly those that plan to hustle, pickpocket, etc. you. Luckily I know a bit of Russian, so when they asked me something, I just started speaking in Russian and they left me alone. But it won't work everywhere, I'm going to Egypt in a few months, a friend informed me that tactic won't work there. Apparently, a lot of Russians visit the country so a lot of people know both English and Russian.

0points

DBear 1 year ago

People who really have street smarts don't brag that they do.

-2points

Donkeywheel 1 year ago (edited)

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censorshipsucks 1 year ago

Hey @Donkeywheel let me explain why your advice is actually horrible. The countries where these rules won't apply - say, Sweden, maybe -maybe- or Netherlands- maybe... are safe because most citizens are reasonably well off. In many cases (particulalry NL, who colonised my country), their wealth is a side-effect of the riches they garnered over the centuries by leeching us in Africa. So those of us "left behind" in the low income countries CAN'T move to these alleged utopias for the simple reasons that (a) they do not want us, we are considered unwelcome illegal immigrants, (b) they are still racist, (c) it's too expensive and we're too poor to move there, (d) the immigration policy is so onerous it's not worth the effort (they make the rules too difficult to get in, even if you have some ancestry). SO... actually no. Your elite paradise countries are merely rich colonists who took our wealth in africa and now won't have anything to do with us if they can avoid it. So. we have no choice

8points

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Donkeywheel 1 year ago

There is a slight issue with your reasoning : there are also « poor », third world countries that are overall peaceful and infinitely safer than the nightmare shitholes making these street smart advices necessary. Vietnam, Malaysia, Oman, Ecuador, Bolivia (not to mention Switzerland, Japan…) Colonialism may have had an effect but that doesn’t explain everything. Don’t explain to me that half of the USA are not safe at all because it was once a colony 250 years ago.

-2points

Damon 1 year ago

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Gary 1 year ago

Most of these sound like middle class people that have never been to the 'bad neighbourhood'

11points

censorshipsucks 1 year ago

nah, speaking from an african slums perspective, a lot of this is accurate. Some of it is not. For example we seldom have homeless who are "out of it' on drugs/whatever and/or who have a long sob story... mostly those are white beggars who feel that they have to explain why despite decades of privilege they are poor/unemployed. African/black beggars tend to be compos mentis, ask you for money, and are ok if you say no. It's quite rare to be actually mugged/pickpocketed unless you walk busy city streets, in which case you are going to find trouble. Rather drive if you can.

10points

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Leo Domitrix 1 year ago

I have. In fact, whole bad countries. And I verify it's pretty spot on. Walk like you got business to do, keep your eyes off your phone, and just keep walking if you're asked anything. I'm from a poor part of the US, do not consider myself "middle class" but "working class", and we tend to survive better than someone legit middle class (my hubby, for one).

1point

KR Garland 1 year ago

This comment has been deleted.

-1point

Lori w 1 year ago

Very repetitive list

9points

Daria 1 year ago (edited)

I've never experienced anything like what is described here. Even in the poorer districts of our city back in the 90s, after the USSR collapse. It's good to know if I ever venture a trip abroad.

6points

Cathy Roberts 1 year ago

Honestly you won't need them in most US places too, unless you're in one of the really big cities. Many of these are just people trying to sound tough.

2points

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Mad McQueen 1 year ago

Women-opt for a shorter false mail or natural nail. Just enough to grab items off a counter easier or to scratch someone. So many ladies can't do anything with 2-3 inch talons because they don't want to break them or mess them up. Vanity can get you killed. An a decoy wallet. Keep expired gift cards and buy some prop cash off wish or Temu to make it look "rich". Toss that one at the robbers or even a fake purse with it inside. Keep your phone in your pocket with id an one bank card for emergencies going out. Don't leave your phone on a table in a bar. It's dark. Anyone can swipe it walking by if you are turned to talk to someone. You don't need it out all the time. Leggings with side pockets are the best. Hard to snatch from and with a fake purse an wallet you are safer. Keep your keys on a lanyard on you neck inside your top. Or on a long necklace. You only need a house key an car key going out. The less you can afford to lose the better.

4points

Leo Domitrix 1 year ago

What pocket in women's clothes holds a modern cell phone?! (Not entirely jesting here. I miss the old tiny flip phones.)

3points

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SpaceFrog 1 year ago

How green are people? Is this not all common sense or have I lived in/visited areas that are worse than I realized?

3points

Mia Black 1 year ago

I can just answer for myself. Many of those advices are not be too new but most of them I don't have do follow. And none of them I have to follow constantly. I am very very glad for this. My whole childhood I had to be on alert because of bullies (stressed me out a lot) but as an adult I only have to if I go to sketchy places or see groups of people that seem to be aggressive or behave like a predator or are drunk and full of energy (near clubs for example). I know there probably are far worse places in my country and I rarely go out so I may not see all the dark spots but on this point I am just thankful that I don't have do be constantly on alert and remember all possible safety 'rules'. And I am glad there may be many people who are that "green" that these are new to them because they are lucky to lived safe

1point

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Katie Lutesinger 1 year ago

I was once waylaid by what we call a "charity mugger", and his pitch was full of red flags similar to what you should look out for in a cult recruiter or scam artists in general: he was VERY charismatic and charming (in fact I still remember him in terms of what a nice, funny guy he was), but he wouldn't give me any literature to look at re. the very important vitamin his group wanted me to help provide to pregnant women in remote areas, the vitamin in question didn't have a name, the organisation didn't have a name, there was no official website or at least none he was prepared to tell me about, he brought up emotionally manipulative stuff about dead babies, but most importantly of all he kept pressuring me to make a snap decision by pretending they were just about to pack up for the day (in fact they were still there two hours later). If they're doing everything they can to stop you from taking time to think before making a decision... run very fast in the opposite direction.

2points

Britnee Eee 1 year ago

Heard this many times before heading to New Orleans but I assume this happens everywhere. While walking down the street if someone (usually guy to guy but I've seen a woman try also) anyway. If someone says "Bet I can tell you where you got your shoes" Don't respond!!! Just leave. If you laugh or say okay that is you accepting the bet.... they are going to tell you. "You got em on your feet". And then expect you to pay them. Whatever they choose. Just leave....

1point

Rens 1 year ago

I grew up in South Africa, left in 1998, last visit was in 2003. Even after all this time living in safer countries (UK and the Netherlands) I am still very cautious and always alert. I'm now disabled, which makes me feel more vulnerable, so I'm always wary when I go out. Some things never leave you.

1point

Jessica SpeLangm 1 year ago

Many of these are good ideas. Some only work in certain parts of the world.

1point

David Jeffery 1 year ago

I don't know, I've been to many different places around the world and have been in what are classified as sketchy areas and I've never had any trouble. I think it's because I'm incredibly boring and I just blend into the background. I'm like Ted from Scrubs; you don't even realise I'm right beside you, although I've been standing there for fifteen minutes. Of course, I'm not going to go out in other more sketchy areas just to prove a point. I have some sense

0points

Headless Horseman 1 year ago

When I was homeless I would wear mens clothing if I needed to walk somewhere at night, put my hood up and wear my natural b***h face lol, even walked differently. The ONE time I wore womens clothing and walked like I normally do, I was harassed and damn near kidnapped. I taught all the gals in my homeless 'group' this trick and the harassment they endured was significantly decreased. We even borrowed our boyfriends clothing if needed, and walked in groups if we could.

0points

Jacob B. 1 year ago

In foreign nations, many of the people there know English, particularly those that plan to hustle, pickpocket, etc. you. Luckily I know a bit of Russian, so when they asked me something, I just started speaking in Russian and they left me alone. But it won't work everywhere, I'm going to Egypt in a few months, a friend informed me that tactic won't work there. Apparently, a lot of Russians visit the country so a lot of people know both English and Russian.

0points

DBear 1 year ago

People who really have street smarts don't brag that they do.

-2points

Donkeywheel 1 year ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

censorshipsucks 1 year ago

Hey @Donkeywheel let me explain why your advice is actually horrible. The countries where these rules won't apply - say, Sweden, maybe -maybe- or Netherlands- maybe... are safe because most citizens are reasonably well off. In many cases (particulalry NL, who colonised my country), their wealth is a side-effect of the riches they garnered over the centuries by leeching us in Africa. So those of us "left behind" in the low income countries CAN'T move to these alleged utopias for the simple reasons that (a) they do not want us, we are considered unwelcome illegal immigrants, (b) they are still racist, (c) it's too expensive and we're too poor to move there, (d) the immigration policy is so onerous it's not worth the effort (they make the rules too difficult to get in, even if you have some ancestry). SO... actually no. Your elite paradise countries are merely rich colonists who took our wealth in africa and now won't have anything to do with us if they can avoid it. So. we have no choice

8points

Load More Replies...

Donkeywheel 1 year ago

There is a slight issue with your reasoning : there are also « poor », third world countries that are overall peaceful and infinitely safer than the nightmare shitholes making these street smart advices necessary. Vietnam, Malaysia, Oman, Ecuador, Bolivia (not to mention Switzerland, Japan…) Colonialism may have had an effect but that doesn’t explain everything. Don’t explain to me that half of the USA are not safe at all because it was once a colony 250 years ago.

-2points

Damon 1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

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