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33 Of The Most Useful Tips From People That Are ‘Street Smart’

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You might think that people are either book smart or street smart. Well, in reality, the conjunction is different, and you have to change the or to an and because you can be both. And should be.

Folks have recently been sharing some of their street smarts in a now-viral Reddit thread that answered the question what is the best “street advice” you can give?

Bored Panda has collected some of the best bits of advice from the thread to craft the lovely curated list below, so go enlighten yourself before the street does that through practice.

Image credits: UnusualQuantity7260

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#1

If somebody tries to force you into a car *never* get in. Take your chances with whatever you're being threatened with. If you end up in the car your odds of survival are *exponentially* worse.

GargantuanCake , cottonbro studio / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

155points

KinoEel 8 months ago

Never leave with a kidnapper

56points

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#2

Never trust a water-filled pothole.

OldManPip5 , Rüveyda / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

125points

Corinne Wheeler 8 months ago

Refer to " the vicar of Dibley" for further clarification.

72points

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#3

If you're a woman in trouble another woman is far more likely to help you

bee-sting , Garon Piceli / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

115points

shanila.pheonix_ 8 months ago

yeah! its girl code baby!

43points

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If you’re not familiar with the terms, book smart and street smart describe methods of learning, both in the sense of how and from where something has been learned.

Book smarts are academic intelligence, gained through formal schooling and reading, while street smarts are gained through real-life experience in handling situations.

#4

Try not to look lost. Mind your own business. Keep walking.

Keeksters46 , John Tekeridis / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

113points

KinoEel 8 months ago (edited)

People never pay attention if you’re are doing something, blend in

20points

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#5

always trust your instincts and be aware of your surroundings.

-Cherry_Blossoms- , Annaëlle Quionquion / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

107points

Ranger Kanootsen 8 months ago

The graveyard is full of people who wished they'd followed their gut instincts.

32points

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#6

Do not engage with crazy people

Pallas_in_my_Head , Feyza Yıldırım / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

96points

Ranger Kanootsen 8 months ago

This also works in reverse: if you act crazy, no one, not even a thief, will come anywhere near you. I've done this quite a few times.

15points

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Over recent years, education has run into a bit of a problem with these smarts. Namely, since adult education institutions have to adhere to certain industry standards in order to remain relevant, they have noticed how there is a shift to valuing experience over formal education. In other words, that diploma there is great and all, but how about you show us how [insert activity] is done here and now?

#7

Know your surroundings and don’t be afraid to “make a scene”, if you find yourself in a tough spot.

DC-Donkey , Valentine Angel Fernandez / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

96points

BoredPossum 8 months ago

Be loud, scream and make yourself noticed.

28points

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#8

Never get in a knife fight. The looser dies in the street and the winner dies in the ambulance.

Upset-Item9756 , dogadakisakal / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

88points

pasej41913@bustayes.com 8 months ago

But where does the tighter die?

55points

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#9

Pay attention to your surroundings. Don't keep your head down on your phone or wear headphones.

Moon_Jewel90 , MART PRODUCTION / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

87points

C.O. Shea 8 months ago

I see more bozos lately driving with full headphones on their ears. Scary stoopid.

36points

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So, higher education had to step up their game. This in turn led to things like the formation of professional advisory boards that are there to help adapt the programs and their curricula to meet the changing standards. That and educational institutions are also gradually introducing competency-based and experiential learning.

#10

I see a few people say don’t make eye contact, I disagree.

You can walk and keep your head on a swivel. When you’re in a bad neighborhood looking around and either eye contact or making sure people see that YOU see them can be as much a deterrent as anything. Be alert

notyourbrobra , Leah Newhouse / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

85points

BoredPossum 8 months ago

Avoiding eye contact may signal that you are an easy target and making eye contact may be threatening. It all depends on the rest of your body language and location.

55points

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#11

When mixing with people in a social settings don’t give out personal details. It’s ok to be kind but very vague. Nobody needs to know what street you live on or where you work. If they don’t respect your boundaries, move along. ( had a stalker, from my Karate club ! Found out my location and would flip my mail slot on the door open, looking inside. Woke up one evening to him standing over me. )

Direct-Bumblebee-165 , Helena Lopes / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

81points

shanila.pheonix_ 8 months ago (edited)

ok that story is absolutely terrifying. i just make up rlly fake deets about myself in situations where im uncomfy. in these situations, its good to know how to lie

42points

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#12

Be on alert if asked for innocent things, like telling someone the time, there are a hundred tricks you’ve never heard of

Son_of_kitsch , Erik Mclean / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

80points

KinoEel 8 months ago

But don’t be a d*ck about it, still be helpful to people

46points

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Experiential learning would likely come in the form of internships, practicums, and the like, but might also include things like industry projects that would feature academic programs and would utilize that knowledge. Another approach is assigning real-world business problems to students to solve, in turn getting employer feedback. And hey, if you exceed expectations, you can also try to apply and you’d have a reputation that precedes you.

#13

In a street fight, there’s no such things as rules. There is no fairness in a fight, do what you can to survive.

PuzzleheadedSpray883 , cottonbro studio / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

66points

troufaki13 8 months ago

So they won't be coming at me one by one just like in the movies??? 🤔🤔🤔

72points

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#14

If someone were to god forbid pull a gun on you and rob you, just give them what they want. There's no reason to risk your life trying to be a hero all for your wallet and phone.

trippinbillz41 , Soulful Pizza / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

65points

Šimon Špaček 8 months ago

That was in video from Metatron. "When somebody pulls a gun at you, this is the procedure. Step one, lean forward a bit. Step two, pull out your wallet. Step three, give it to the other person. Step four, take a step back."

24points

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#15

1. always rely on your gut feeling, this is the only primal instinct we have left.
2. if a stranger tells you that you have nice shoes. NEVER LOOK DOWN.
3. if someone pulls out a knife, run, run away!

hitman004700 , ready made / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

64points

shanila.pheonix_ 8 months ago

for the second point, is it so they can harm u/take things from u when ur unaware/distracted?

32points

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And, as it turns out, it’s not just the industries that are demanding such a targeted education. Students themselves are driving demand for more practical education. And the solution is a return to project-based learning, which on top of providing the necessary know-how, would enhance student confidence, communication and collaboration skills, all the while motivating them and forming the right attitudes towards work and employers.

#16

Look both ways before crossing

cobalt_phantom , Mario Cuadros / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

64points

Mixed Reality Portal 8 months ago

Even on one way streets - there's always some idiot going the wrong way.

59points

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#17

Be aware of your surroundings. You don't have to be paranoid, but just get a feeling for the general flow of things. If something about that flow changes, you should start looking for the reason behind the changes. That rule goes for basically anything.

Look-Its-a-Name , 98_Gallery / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

62points

David Paterson 8 months ago

I find this useful in traffic. Watching for drivers who are about to do something mad.

22points

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#18

If it’s rush hour, and every subway car is packed like sardines, never enter the one empty subway car. You didn’t suddenly get lucky. Trust me on this.

Neither_Cod_992 , Juan Pablo Serrano Arenas / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

62points

Tyke 8 months ago

Nah in London it just means that's not where the exit is at most popular stations

27points

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One of the seemingly bigger components of street smarts is security and safety. This includes knowing how to navigate your whereabouts, knowing what to do in particular life-threatening situations and maximizing your chances of getting out of trouble.

In the case of kids, it’s all about knowing their location and how long they’re planning on being there, making sure they stick with their friends and hang out in safe spots all the while avoiding shady neighborhoods. Oh, and trust your gut. Believe us, that goes a long way.

#19

Take nothing from anyone ever . Food , drinks , sweets.
The red apple.

grimlov , Valeria Boltneva / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

61points

Tucker Cahooter 8 months ago

Don't touch bottles marked "Drink Me", or cakes labelled "Eat Me" either

67points

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#20

Do not answer questions that no one asked.

jeffwinger_esq , cottonbro studio / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

59points

DarkViolet 8 months ago

Don't answer questions that ordinarily would be none of their business anyway, no matter how charming they may be.

22points

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#21

Don't wear your politics on your shirt or head

mugshade1 , Rosemary Ketchum / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

58points

Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 8 months ago (edited)

Or on your car some places. There was a Top Gear episode where they drove from Miami to New Orleans. They painted each others cars with slogans like "Hillary for President" and things got dicy in Alabama.

40points

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And it’s pretty much the same for adults. The majority of the Reddit thread suggested minding your business, always being aware of your surroundings, and trying to not to look lost. All of these indicate that you’re in control and you won’t be drawing any unnecessary attention. There was also a huge emphasis on trusting your instincts—if you see something you wouldn’t want to get closer, then by all means move away. Better safe than sorry.

#22

There is no legitimate reason to stop for a stranger who needs to ask you something. Keep it pushing, you don’t owe anyone your attention. Criminals and con-artists rely on your politeness.

autotoad , Darya Sannikova / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

55points

Owiella Freddie 8 months ago

I've had this happen to me soooo many times. Most of the time, it's some kiosk operator trying to lure you to what he's selling. I will pretend I don't hear them and keep walking by without skipping a beat.

15points

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#23

It's not worth getting into an altercation if you can help it. You might be bringing fists to a knife or gun fight.

NotRapCat , Jeswin Thomas / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

50points

Ranger Kanootsen 8 months ago

Off topic but wHAT IS THAT PICTURE?? CREEPY A*S LADY

27points

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#24

Never look lost

Blushing_Bunny23 , Josh Hild / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

46points

DarkViolet 8 months ago

If you're not sure where you're going, get to the nearest coffee shop, grab a brew, and get your bearings. It's much safer than standing on the street and looking confused.

32points

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Others suggested more situational solutions. For instance, if you’re a woman in trouble, it’s better to ask help from other women as it’s much more likely they’ll help you due to the empathy factor.

Another situation is to not engage with people asking you to look at your shoes as that might give them an opportunity to strike. Also, pickpockets love to distract their victims by asking for the time and the like.

#25

Trust must be earned. Never give it blindly.

Factsaretheonlytruth , Rogerio Macedo / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

45points

Saphyre Fyre 8 months ago

This comment has been deleted.

2points

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#26

Navigate before departure, and look like you know where you're going.

UnoriginalUse , Lukas Hartmann / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

45points

Mixed Reality Portal 8 months ago

Not just directions - be sure to wise up on culture and customs too.

22points

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#27

lock your car doors as soon as you've opened your door to get in. immediately. not after you've gotten in, but as soon as your door is open for you.

keep your wits about you to gauge people on your path well before you have to pass so you have time to make the safest decision.

crossing the street can be conspicuous and draw unwanted attention- i'll pass walking closely on the street side of cars. oftentimes that's enough to keep erratic people from clocking you, and is inoffensive enough for shady people to give you a pass..kinda let's them know you're not scared exactly, but you're giving them space to do their business.

boogien1ght5 , cottonbro studio / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

40points

Happy Homemaker 8 months ago

I used to have a car that as soon as you turned on the engine the doors would lock. I loved that feature. I now do it out of habit in my new car.

16points

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It’s also strongly recommended never to take anything from anyone you don’t know. It can become an identifying factor for other troublemakers that they can take advantage of you as you have been “marked” by someone.

This also goes for finding things on cars. Things that might look like trash shoved into the car door handle could end up being lethal. Do not touch it with your bare hands and instead either use another object or thick cleaning gloves to remove it. It could be laced with poison.

#28

stand up straight with your shoulders back

richstark , cottonbro studio / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

39points

shanila.pheonix_ 8 months ago

confidence is key. even if its just a show.

19points

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#29

Don’t f**k around if you really don’t want to find out

jmacklin1 , cottonbro studio / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

35points

spicy (she/he/they) 8 months ago

in the words of taylor swift: “play stupid games, win stupid prizes”

1point

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#30

While you may not see your kindness as a weakness, prepare for others to take it that way.

Be extremely careful who you give your energy to, and don't expect a return on investment.

Everyone is looking to turn your loss into their gain, and have no qualms of giving you a little nudge to speed up that process.

People who come up to you and pretend to be your friend, want something from you.

Be prepared to be tested with just about every new person you meet.

Anything you aren't willing to fight for, isn't yours.

It's always better to be alone than to be in bad company.

Crab mentality is very real. Never tell your plans to anyone, sometimes people will ruin them simply out of jealousy.

anon , Aline Viana Prado / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

35points

SBocker78 8 months ago

This is great advice for the workplace.

32points

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So, what are your thoughts on any of this? Do you have street knowledge that everyone would benefit from? Share your advice and stories in the comment section below!

And if you need more scrolling fodder, we have some more street smarts in the form of articles for you to go through.

#31

Don’t entertain ignorance & or match ignorance with more ignorance.

Shawty43 , Fatoba Tolulope Ifemide / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

28points

Barbara Turner 8 months ago

You mean like, you can't cure a jerk by making them aware of their jerkiness?

2points

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#32

Be emotionally prepared for trouble....sometimes going out of your way to avoid it will actually perpetuate it.

44YrOld , MART PRODUCTION / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

25points

DarkViolet 8 months ago

Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

15points

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#33

You can save money by buying different kinds of nuts and mixing them at home.

omegaistwopif , Towfiqu barbhuiya / pexels (not the actual photo) Report

Final score:

24points

NapQueen 8 months ago

This is going to stop me getting kidnapped on the street, thank you :)

102points

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Robertas Lisickis

Some time ago, Robertas used to spend his days watching how deep the imprint in his chair will become as he wrote for Bored Panda. Wrote about pretty much everything under and beyond the sun. Not anymore, though. He's now probably playing Gwent or hosting Dungeons and Dragons adventures for those with an inclination for chaos.

Some time ago, Robertas used to spend his days watching how deep the imprint in his chair will become as he wrote for Bored Panda. Wrote about pretty much everything under and beyond the sun. Not anymore, though. He's now probably playing Gwent or hosting Dungeons and Dragons adventures for those with an inclination for chaos.

Gabija Saveiskyte

Hi there! I am a Visual Editor at Bored Panda. My job is to ensure that all the articles are aesthetically pleasing. I get to work with a variety of topics ranging from all the relationship drama to lots and lots of memes and, my personal favorites, funny cute cats. When I am not perfecting the images, you can find me reading with a cup of matcha latte and a cat in my lap, taking photos (of my cat), getting lost in the forest, or simply cuddling with my cat... Did I mention that I love cats?

Hi there! I am a Visual Editor at Bored Panda. My job is to ensure that all the articles are aesthetically pleasing. I get to work with a variety of topics ranging from all the relationship drama to lots and lots of memes and, my personal favorites, funny cute cats. When I am not perfecting the images, you can find me reading with a cup of matcha latte and a cat in my lap, taking photos (of my cat), getting lost in the forest, or simply cuddling with my cat... Did I mention that I love cats?

What do you think ?

David Paterson 8 months ago

Some of these are good advice. Others are just paranoid. eg. You're more likely to be hurt by a friend than by a stranger.

16points

Mixed Reality Portal 8 months ago

Really depends where you live / grew up and what your life experiences are.

14points

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DB 8 months ago

Never brag about having street smarts. That lets people know you really don't.

8points

Lisa Delgado 8 months ago

I had a guy come up to me in Home Depot claiming he left his wallet at home and if I would pay for his purchases he would cashapp me the money. He looked dumbfounded when I told him I don't have cashapp. Like I'm going to fall for that trick, buddy!

7points

Freya the Wanderer 8 months ago

A few years ago I saw a man on the side of the road, and he looked really desperate. I stopped and offered help. He requested cash for a tow truck - claimed he'd left his wallet in a distant suburb. I smelled a rat. He even claimed the police had stopped and then driven on. That was when I knew his story was B.S. Police are going to help you one way or another. I spread the news far and wide about this.

2points

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David Paterson 8 months ago

Some of these are good advice. Others are just paranoid. eg. You're more likely to be hurt by a friend than by a stranger.

16points

Mixed Reality Portal 8 months ago

Really depends where you live / grew up and what your life experiences are.

14points

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DB 8 months ago

Never brag about having street smarts. That lets people know you really don't.

8points

Lisa Delgado 8 months ago

I had a guy come up to me in Home Depot claiming he left his wallet at home and if I would pay for his purchases he would cashapp me the money. He looked dumbfounded when I told him I don't have cashapp. Like I'm going to fall for that trick, buddy!

7points

Freya the Wanderer 8 months ago

A few years ago I saw a man on the side of the road, and he looked really desperate. I stopped and offered help. He requested cash for a tow truck - claimed he'd left his wallet in a distant suburb. I smelled a rat. He even claimed the police had stopped and then driven on. That was when I knew his story was B.S. Police are going to help you one way or another. I spread the news far and wide about this.

2points

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