Replies

It is all good advice.

This mindset can be ingrained via mental repetition. I spent four years in the Navy, and during that time, I learned how important it was to be able to find my way out of wherever I was, whether it was lighted and unobstructed, or pitch black and full of smoke.

My wife teases me, because even 45 years later, if we go to any hotel or cruise ship (especially on a ship) one of the first things I do once we drop our luggage into our room is figure out how to get from wherever our room is to the outside or on deck. And I always have shoes available (that don’t have laces) and a flashlight on the bedside table.

Last cruise we went on a few years ago (which will probably be the last one we ever go on) our cabin was way down below deck. I made sure I knew two ways out, counted the doors to the nearest stairs, and counted the flights we would have to go up. I felt pretty sure that if we lost all power, I could have made it out of that vessel from at least three decks down, on my hands and knees, in pitch black, with smoke if I didn’t get overcome.

And that is just one microcosm of this mindset the author promulgates. That thing about being in a restaurant or nightclub, knowing where the exits are, having visiblity, etc. is good advice.

That said, I don’t go to places with big crowds or into cities much anymore unless I have to.

Especially not now.

Your mindset is not a crazy thing, remember it’s not paranoia if people really are out to get you, in this case I think they are living among us.

My wife and I occasionally venture into Walmart, usually really early figuring the drunks and deadbeats are still in bed, I always know where the exits and try to stay award of my surroundings at all times.

I never served in our military. My older brother did. He was a Lieutenant in the 1st. Marine Division back in the late 70's. He taught me what ''situational awareness'' was. I grew up with my other brothers, two of us worked construction in NYC and learned ''street smarts''. I also trained extensively in martial arts. I ALWAYS keep alert, check out entrances and exists in buildings, keep a 360 view in any parking lot, check out people I think might be a problem, wear steel toed sneakers and carry a large folding knife.

I do much the same thing whenever I go to a new place. Whenever I stay at a hotel on business or pleasure, I like to stay in my car before checking in and drive around the immediate vicinity to get a lay of the land (and see where the best pub might be!). I then drive around the perimeter of the hotel to see where the exits come out to. That way, when I get up in the morning, I know exactly where I am in relation to my surroundings.