Laura, based in New York, is an editorial director, content strategist, and lifestyle writer who specialized in travel. Her viral tweet and the entire thread that followed showed just how complicated and potentially risky real-life really is.

There are plenty of dangerous people lurking out there. But there are also kind folks who go out of their way to help a stranger. It’s the best and the worst of humanity. And sometimes a friendly bartender giving you a warning on their phone screen can be the only thing protecting you from future harm.

This isn’t the first time that Bored Panda has written about bartenders rushing to the rescue of their patrons. For instance, Benjamin Smith, a bartender working in Los Angeles, explained to us in an earlier in-depth interview how bartenders create secret signals for customers to show that they’re in need of assistance. One such sign is ordering an ‘angel shot.’

When you order an ‘angel shot’ at a bar that has them, the bar staff know that something’s not right and will do everything that they can to protect you from unwanted attention and potentially dangerous customers.

“The angel shot has saved and will continue to save lives,” bartender Ben told Bored Panda that it’s vital that people know ‘angel shots’ exist to help patrons.

As a bartender, he has already had to step in to help some clients. “I have definitely had to Intervene in multiple situations where someone has felt uncomfortable. Most bars have security so they are helpful in assisting in these situations,” he said.

According to the bartender, a vital part of working as a bartender is being able to read the room and people’s body language. The job is so much more than just taking orders and serving drinks!

“I think it’s key that bartenders are aware of their surroundings and pay attention to guest body language. I can easily tell if someone is uncomfortable or may need my help,” Ben explained to Bored Panda, adding that he was glad that his video helped educate industry workers, as well as guests, about the ‘angel shots’ secret signal.

In LA-based bartender Ben’s opinion, ‘angel shots’ are “something we should all know about.” In that particular bar, there are 3 variations. For example, ordering an ‘angel shot’ with lime means that you need police assistance.

Meanwhile, the ‘neat’ variant means you need someone to walk you to your car because you don’t feel safe going out alone. Lastly, there’s the on-the-rocks version of the ‘angel shot’ that signals the bar staff that they should call you a taxi. Of course, these signals can vary from bar to bar and state to state. So it’s best to have a frank chat about these sorts of things with the staff if you visit a bar regularly.

Absolutely anyone can be a victim of harassment. However, some groups of people are particularly vulnerable and can become targets more often.

Emily May, the Co-Founder and Executive Director at ‘Hollaback!’, an organization that aims to put an end to harassment in all of its forms, told Bored Panda some time ago that harassment can happen anywhere. It’s something that isn’t restricted to a single place. It can happen on the street, in bars, in the supermarket, on social media.

“At its core is a power dynamic that constantly reminds historically subordinated groups of our vulnerability to assault in public spaces. Street harassment can happen to anyone, but disproportionately punishes women, girls, LGBTQ+ people, and other marginalized groups for being themselves in the world,” the expert noted.

However, a strong and tight-knit community can help protect the most vulnerable members from potential dangers.

“One thing that can help you build a sense of safety is community. Take the time to get to know the good folks in your neighborhood and build positive relationships with not just your neighbors, but the people who deliver the mail, the trash folks, the guy that mows your neighbor’s lawn, etc.,” Emily explained to Bored Panda.

“The more people you know, the more people will have your back if something happens again. Knowing this can increase your sense of safety and belonging in your community,” she said that having a network of people you can trust can help you feel safer.