Stay Sharp or Stay Sorry: 5 Ways to Improve Your Situational Awareness
Women are in a no-win situation. We’re expected to “be nice,” “not overreact,” and “to give people the benefit of the doubt.” And predators count on exactly that.
On the other hand, we’re supposed to magically know WHO is a predator and who isn’t, and to protect ourselves from attack.
And one of the best ways we can do that is by paying attention to our Safety Intuition, aka situational awareness. It isn’t about paranoia—it’s about paying attention, making smart calls, and not being an easy target.
Here are 5 steps to level up that awareness.
One: Ditch the Distractions
You’re busy. We get it. But scrolling TikTok in the parking garage isn’t busy. You’re basically advertising "Come and get me!" Put the phone down. Take the earbuds out. Look alive.
A predator’s dream victim? Someone completely zoned out. The opposite? Someone who walks like they mean it, scans their surroundings, and makes eye contact like a Secret Service agent. Be THAT person.
Two: Read the Room
Your environment is always telling a story. Learn to read it.
Who’s around you?
Who’s watching you a little too long?
What feels off?
If you’re in an Uber and the driver ignores your destination, don’t sit there hoping for the best—speak up immediately. If a guy at the bar is “just being friendly” but won’t take the hint, you don’t owe him politeness.
Ignoring red flags is how people end up on the news.
Three: Trust Your Gut—For Real, It’s Smarter Than You Think
Science backs this up: your instincts process danger faster than your rational brain.
That uneasy feeling you get when someone’s pacing behind you? Not paranoia. That tiny alarm in your head when a stranger offers to help with your bags? Might be worth listening to.
Stop second-guessing yourself. Women are conditioned to be polite, not safe. Rewrite that script.
Four: The “Exit Row” Mentality
You know how flight attendants tell you to locate the nearest exit before takeoff? Apply that logic to everyday life.
Walking into a restaurant? Clock the exits.
Parking your car? Park near lights, not blind spots.
Rideshare? Check the child locks before you even sit down.
Because if something goes down, you don’t want to be the one just realizing you have zero escape plan.
Five: Control Your Space
Your personal space isn’t a suggestion—it’s a boundary.
If someone gets too close, make them move or you move. If a stranger gives you a weird vibe, step back. And if a situation makes your skin crawl, GTFO—no explanation necessary.
Let’s be clear: situational awareness isn’t fear—it’s power. It’s not about seeing threats everywhere, but knowing you’re too sharp to be caught off guard.
Because here’s the truth: Bad guys are lazy. They want easy targets. Don’t be one. Stay sharp, stay smart, and make them regret ever thinking you were an option.
