4 D cell Maglites are incredibly tough bits of kit. If you have to use it as a weapon they are heavy because of the batteries and made of aluminium so they don’t bend, you don’t get up in a hurry after someone has accidentally hit you with one. For information purposes obviously 😜 Don’t hit people mmm’kay?

Ditto community centers, YMCAs, public college rec centers, etc. Gyms don't have to exclusively be fancy places that require a membership. Lots of the more public options offer cheap day passes.

Used to tell my fire crews this. If something does not feel right, back the hell out.

It's amazing what projecting the right amount of confidence can get you. I used to work at a bar. I wouldn't have admitted it then, but I carded way more based on someone's confidence than on how old they looked. I suck at estimating ages. If you hemmed and hawwed when deciding on a drink, asked a dumb question, acted jittery, or had too much bravado, I would have carded you. If you were confident but not overly so and had a normal conversation, I probably wouldn't have asked for ID.

That happened to me at a pub in Mallorca, 3 young girls asked to hang around me to keep the guys away. It was one of the girls birthday and some of the dudes wouldn´t leave them alone. I went only to see a live band but ended up staying till they shut.

always beware of other people always have a margin of their 'mistakes' ...because it will save your life

I would say trust your gut and know the area. I live in a region where it's common for people to break down and all they need is jumper cables. Someone is usually willing to help because that's what we do. We don't want to hear of someone freezing to death waiting for help for what could be way too long in our climate.

This is street smarts?? Interesting

Some establishments don't let you take your drink to the washroom. You can leave it with the servers and they'll keep it safe behind the counter.

men as well though

Better yet, just don't accept drinks from any stranger, at all, ever. You never know what he thinks that drink ENTITLES him to!!

I find it sad that rules like this are needed. I personally think that as an international society, we need to change our ways so things like this will not be needed. Sadly, will anyone be willing to change?

This includes water

I think this applies to everyone, not just ladies

Also, if you suddenly start feeling super drunk, turn to the nearest group and tell them you think you've been drugged. It's highly unlikely they'll be in on it and likely that at least one person will be decent. If you feel unsafe with the person escorting you out, tell a bouncer you need help.

Is this not common knowledge?

I don't drink, but if I did I would think this would be common sense. Why the heck would you accept a drink from a stranger? Why would you leave a drink and pick it up later? What scenario would happen that would make you okay with either of those things?

Not just ladies. Men need to watch their drinks too. Women can be and are just as bad as men and there are some that are even worse. Everybody needs to watch their drinks and be wary of drinks they didn't see being made.

Excellent advice for anyone!

This should be common knowledge at this point, not a "street smart trick". You shouldn't be drinking if you are not familiar with all the dangers involved

Can be same for guys, especially young ones first able to drink publically

Why is this only directed at ladies? If Cardi B is any indication, men are victimized by drugged drinks too.

Same for buying drinks from street venders or kids. Did they open it for you? Or was is an old bottle they filled with tap water and hence not clean or safe to drink but they are charging you less than a reputable store.

I heard of new nail polish.-it is supposed to change color if it contacts a drug in your drink. Stir your ice with your finger oh so casually........ And Alert bar staff if you suddenly don't match

Introverts: lol I'd have to go out first. Or in my home - I'd have to have a potential date over first.

It's so sad that it says "ladies" and not "people in general" another reminder of what women have to go through because of their gender

And always use the buddy system! A lady on her own is an easy target!

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Silly women, drugging a drink is so last month. If I can bump into you and touch your skin then you are mine.

And be extra careful if he looks like a tax agent. But you have little chance of escaping him anyway.

Don't run so fast that you end up faceplanting like I did when I was mugged by a pack of feral youths. Here's the timeline if you're interested: 1: got attacked 2: ran away 3: faceplanted 4: got attacked again 5: A & E minus my wallet and watch 6: hotel minibar

Or better, sadly, they say they have FOUND a wallet or phone and so you check.

Always trust you instincts. This should be number one. Your subconscious picks up hundreds of cues and notices things that you don't consciously take in but which result in a feeling of unease - even if you have no idea why. You may never figure out the 'why' but trusting your instincts and perhaps feeling a little silly for it is way better than potential alternatives.

It's great when cars automatically unlock when you put them in park. Like, could you not? You don't know what kind of area I'm in!

This is a good idea for taxis, too. The license plate and cab number. Get their name, too.