Most of us have heard the usual personal safety advice. Stay alert, avoid walking alone at night, and trust your instincts. But some women have developed much more unconventional ways to protect themselves when something doesn’t feel right.
In a recent Reddit discussion, women were asked to share their most “unhinged” survival tips. While some suggestions are practical, others are personal anecdotes that may not work in every situation.
Take a self-defense class before you need one
In the discussion, several women encouraged learning how to recognize threats, respond to unwanted contact, and escape dangerous situations.
“Take that self-defense class. Take that exercise class. Get strong,” one commenter advised, emphasizing the importance of preparation rather than relying on instinct alone.
Don’t ignore evacuation orders because someone else isn’t worried
One woman warned against allowing a spouse or family member to dismiss official evacuation warnings during natural disasters.
“Do not listen and pack up your car!” she advised. Other commenters shared experiences involving hurricanes and wildfires where delaying evacuation could have put families in danger.
Make a scene if someone is following you
One woman recalled noticing the same man repeatedly appearing in different aisles while she shopped at a hardware store. Instead of ignoring him, she confronted him loudly.
“I finally yelled ‘WTF do you need because you keep following me?'” she explained. According to her account, the man left.
Walk confidently even when you’re completely lost
Some women said they deliberately walk with their heads up and maintain awareness of their surroundings, even in unfamiliar places.
“Always walk like you belong there,” one commenter recalled her mother teaching her.
Don’t feel obligated to help a stranger
One woman described being eight months pregnant when an unfamiliar man asked her to help him cross the street. She declined because the interaction felt strange, and he became angry.
Another commenter recommended responding to suspicious requests by saying, “I’ll go find someone who can help you,” rather than accompanying a stranger somewhere.
Lock your doors immediately after getting inside
A former emergency dispatcher shared several frightening experiences involving unlocked doors, including an incident where a stranger entered her home.
“LOCK YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS!!!” she warned, emphasizing how quickly an simple afternoon can turn into a dangerous situation.
Check your surroundings before entering your car
Several women recommended scanning parking lots, checking around their vehicles, and avoiding distractions before getting inside. “Always scan the backseat of your car and underneath your car before getting in,” one commenter advised.
Related: 14 Unusual Survival Hacks That Could Come in Handy
Identify an escape route wherever you go
One woman explained that she makes a habit of looking for exits whenever she enters an unfamiliar building or public space.
“I don’t go into anywhere without knowing how I’ll get out,” she wrote, adding that she considers potential escape routes even when walking outdoors.
Say something completely unexpected to throw someone off
Some women claimed that responding with an unusual comment can interrupt unwanted attention.
One commenter suggested answering an uncomfortable question with “looking for a place to hide a body.” Others cautioned that this unpredictable approach could backfire, depending on the person and situation.
Trust your instincts before something happens
Several women encouraged paying attention to uncomfortable feelings rather than waiting for obvious signs of danger.
“Trust that you are more wise than you think and your intuition can be key to your survival,” one commenter wrote while recommending The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker.
Carry a flashlight for unexpected situations
Some women recommended keeping a sturdy flashlight in their vehicles or bags, particularly when traveling alone at night.
One commenter explained, “I used to keep one in my truck, always within easy reach.” Beyond illuminating dark spaces, a flashlight can be useful during power outages and other emergencies.
Wear shoes that allow you to run
One commenter recommended choosing practical footwear when traveling alone or walking through unfamiliar areas.
“Wear shoes you can run in,” she advised. Others suggested changing out of heels before leaving work or walking to a parked vehicle.
Practice saying no and sticking to your boundaries
One commenter explained that learning to recognize boundary violations is just as important as preparing for an obvious physical threat.
“I think in general it’s good to practice saying no and sticking to boundaries in everyday life,” she wrote. Several women agreed that refusing unwanted attention shouldn’t require an explanation.
Stop being polite when someone makes you uncomfortable
Several women argued that being overly polite can make it harder to leave uncomfortable situations. They encouraged others to say no, walk away, and stop worrying about offending strangers.
“Be rude!” one commenter advised after explaining how difficult it can be to overcome years of being taught to be agreeable.
