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How Can I Best Avoid Being Targeted By a Criminal?

By Michael Rao

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 03Nov2008
Word count: 543
Viewed: 132 time(s)

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There is one quality you can exhibit that will greatly decrease any odds that you might be physically attacked today. There is one characteristic that attackers avoid as much as possible. What is this force? In a nutshell, it is simple confidence.

Confidence speaks a language of its own. Attackers see this from a potential victim and walk the other way. Why is this such an effective repellent? Individuals who physically attack look for easy targets. They don't want someone who can overpower them. They are most often looking to overpower others. Attackers are known to be weak themselves or have a psychological problem where they feel vulnerable. Attacking someone who is weaker is both easier and gives them a sense of power.

It may seem like a difficult process. How can you exhibit confidence without bordering arrogance? Arrogance is at the opposite end of the spectrum, but carries the same consequences. It shows weakness. Experts have long stated that those who are arrogant or conceited are simply masking an incredible lack of self-esteem or self-worth.

Confidence is not arrogance. It is not something that you hold above others in that sense. Confidence tells those around you that you are completely comfortable with yourself and your surroundings. You are calm and won't be easily intimidated.

How can you exhibit confidence? This is the most important factor in protecting yourself. A confident person walks with good posture. Many can thank their parents for encouraging "perfect posture" because it is a trait that is associated with confidence. Most people who walk with their shoulders down or their heads down are those most sought after by attackers. Keep your chin up and your back straight. If you aren't accustomed to this you can always practice in the privacy of your home. Confidence is simply being comfortable with yourself and your surroundings.

Posture is just one faucet of exhibiting confidence. Another trait is to assert yourself. This is no excuse to be overbearing, but it does mean to stop fearing others. You should not avoid eye contact with anyone because you feel inferior. You should not feel intimidated just by walking down the street.

Assertion is a quality that many people need today. It's okay to say "no" to others. If someone is telling you to follow them or to walk with them, and you don't want to, don't. If a situation starts to look dangerous in any way, leave it. If someone verbally attacks you, ignore them and leave the situation. Many people attack to get a reaction from someone else. They may be depending on your aggressive return so the situation can escalate.

Attackers today aren't limited by gender, age, or appearance. It is important to avoid believing stereotypes when it comes to others. Just because a person does or doesn't "look" a certain way doesn't mean they will or will not attack.

Common sense and the knowledge of what you need to do can eliminate many of the threats in life. Confidence is not arrogance. It simply tells people you are comfortable with yourself, with your surroundings, and you are capable of handling the situation.

For more Information on Personal Safety, Self Defense and Security and Surveillance, please visit the authors websites.

Mike rao writes on Personal Safety, Self Defense and Security & Surveillance Topics. Visit his websites and sign up for his free email reports on the topics listed above.

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