If you are going to go to this length to go to a theater or a restaurant or anywhere, then you probably shouldn’t bother.
Sorry I am not paranoid enough to let a nut job turn me into a trust no one ever person.
And keep the flames to yourselves I won’t bother to respond. I don’t want your blood pressure any higher than it already is.
Good post. Agreed.
/johnny
The correct posture is somewhere between paranoia and oblivious.
I don't consider myself "paranoid." And I do not feel like I sacrifice anything. I do not fear being in public or anything else. But I have always been more comfortable sitting near a wall where I can see a crowd, I've never like huge crowds of people where personal space seems invaded and I've always been quick to notice something suspicious.
These passive "personality traits" have helped me avoid two potentially dangerous situations. One incident happened years ago in Chicago when I noticed a group of "youths" noticing my small group (4 of us) exit a restaurant downtown late at night. They were a block and a half away and it was late. Our vehicle was parked about two blocks away from the restaurant and a block away from the group of suspicious "youths." We immediately altered our route back to the car and when two of the young men started our way, we had the women walk back towards the restaurant and told them we (the guys) would bring the car to them. The two youths followed us to the car and asked for some money in a rather intimidating fashion. They were abruptly persuaded to turn around and rejoin their group now only a block away and we peacefully drove over and picked up the girls.
It was a nonevent as they did "ask" for some money and did not "demand" it. But I believe my awareness and healthy suspicion avoided an actual robbery or worse as we were able to formulate a plan.
For the record, I have noticed other events that turned out to be innocuous. But it's not paranoia. I consider it "street smarts."
When shown direct evidence that these things happen and that there are in fact times when a pistol could be the difference between you and your family's survival you react with mockery. Do you think my blood pressure is raised by this? I simply shake my head that someone smart enough to read and write could be so irresponsible with their own life to not take basic preventative measures.
\You remind me of a female cousin of mine who, while on a family reuinon camping trip, insisted on walking a creek side path littered with grizzly bear track. She refused any and all protection. No, she did not get eaten that time but lived to repent her stupidity.