Stranger Danger

"Don't ever go anywhere by yourself."

If you are a female, you've probably heard this phrase many times. Heck, if you have parents, those words most likely reached your ears more times than you can recall. When encountering a situation with potential danger, people love to give this sort of advice. Society likes to plant fear into our hearts by making comments like, "going anywhere alone is just asking for it....you'll be a walking target."

As for me, I'm currently working right smack in the heart of Atlanta, and, naturally, my mother told me to "always have somebody with me while going to and from my car."

Ok, this sounds like a safe idea, and it's certainly more fun being with a companion compared to a lonely sidewalk stroll, but the stress of seeking constant a hand-holder is tedious. I'm sorry, but it's pretty much impossible to avoid "alone" situations. They don't have to be frequent, but you can't have somebody with you 24/7. People have other responsibilities, places to be, people to meet. It's unrealistic to assume a person can drop everything and devote valuable time and energy for your sake. After all, there are things people need to do alone.

As children ,we're heavily guarded, but adulthood teaches us to use common sense. At times, we're faced with daunting moments of being "the last to leave the office" or being "stuck in the back, shady parking lot." I don't want to be mugged, lost down a dark alley or taken advantage of, but to be paranoid is just miserable. I refuse to live in fear.

I think it's selfish ask for a constant escort. It's inconvenient, illogical, and childish. Really, how can anybody depend on anyone to be a successful employee if they're seen as the "office baby?"

I do take necessary precautions by leaving the office with my bosses and maintaining common sense. I've traveled through and worked in this nutsy city for a while, yet I still become confused....... a lot. It's easy to make mistakes here, and it's very easy to get lost.

However, I do hope my readers and loved ones will be safe!