Long before I started writing to you fine folks here on Substack, I wrote a series of articles for single women and their safety. This was largely due to all of the dumb ass things I was seeing the single women around me perpetrate.
From going on dates with men from dating apps without telling anyone of their plans, to picking up strangers in bars, these women were throwing caution to the wind. It was really pissing me off, so I wrote the series hoping these dumb bitches would get a clue.
Of course, for 2022 we have to factor in global pandemic issues. It’s a fact that our jobs can act as a safety net for us. If we don’t show up to work on a Tuesday morning, someone’s boss is going to be pissed and start blowing up the phone lines. Now, though, we don’t necessarily need to be at the office on Tuesday morning.
What does that mean for our safety, single ladies?
You better update your contacts.
Anytime you lose one line of defense, you need to replace it with another line that is as strong or stronger than what you had. If you’re not required to go to the office, you should have some point of contact with a person who will notice and take action if you don’t check in.
I’m not talking about your flighty ass homegirl who may not remember that y’all haven’t talked in a week until you’re already locked in a shed somewhere in the woods of Northern Georgia.
Someone who will notice your absence and sound an alarm is absolutely a necessity for any woman, and is imperative for women living alone.
If you’re home all day, so are some shady fucks.
It can be a whole different world from 9 to 5 in your neighborhood. When I left bartending and was home all day for the first time in my adult life, I quickly realized there are some fucking nutjobs living on my street.
I’ve noted most of those wackjobs in my columns over the years, and you can read all about it in case you doubt the type of shit people are doing while the rest of the world is at work.
If you’re home all day working via modem, so are some of the people you don’t want to run into. Don’t just assume that you’re cool to leave the front door standing open, or shower with the windows up just because it’s daylight out.
No. Jesus, bitch, no.
You’re responsible for your safety. Think about what you’re doing. If you wouldn’t feel safe doing it at 2 am, don’t do it at 2 pm. Lock your doors, lock your windows, and keep your eyes open for shit that doesn’t look kosher.
Also, how about a dog? You should really have a dog.
I can’t stress this enough. A dog is an early warning system. A dog is a bodyguard. A dog is a deterrent, and a dog is a hero, sometimes.
If you’re a woman who lives alone, the best thing you can do for yourself is get a medium to large sized dog. You can find great dogs at a shelter near you who will have their shots and be neutered, all included in the adoption fee. There are thousands of awesome dogs who would love to come and bark when someone is outside, growl at anyone who comes to the door, and look at you with sad eyes the whole time you’re eating because they want a bite.
I can and will use a firearm. I will throw knuckles with you if I have to. The ability to defend myself still doesn’t make me feel as good as having a dog makes me feel. I know my dog is going to tell me before my Ring doorbell tells me there is someone outside.
In addition, my dog is going to scare the shit out of whoever it is, and Ring just can’t do that.
Be smart. Get a dog.
Go over to Hubpages and read the series. I’ve even linked it for you. Don’t expect me to keep babying you like this, though. Bookmark the shit so I don’t have to keep reminding you.
Shit. Working me to death over here.
I am reading this as my lovable black lab is barking at the trash collector.
My mom said she worried about me living out in the county, but then stayed a couple of days after I got Belle. She isn't as worried any more.