How to Look Scary in a Rough Neighborhood

Sometimes it is the illusion of strength that can get you out of a tight spot. Looking scary in a rough neighborhood may save you a lot of unwanted attention and keep you safe. If you look scarier than potential perpetrators, chances are people will leave you alone.

Instructions

1. Consider wearing a hooded sweatshirt or hooded coat with the hood pulled over your head. When people can't really see your face, they are more wary of approaching you. With your hood up and your head down, you become an unknown quantity on the streets.

2. Look people in the eye if they approach you. Looking away is always viewed as a sign of weakness. Feeling safe is a matter of displaying confidence.

3. Talk to yourself as you walk. When people think that you are mentally unstable, they have a tendency to leave you alone. This may sound silly, but making people nervous before you allow them to make you nervous is a valuable weapon when you have no other defense.

4. Walk confidently and determinedly without smiling. Walk tall with your shoulders back and chest out, exuding confidence that you may not feel. Even if you are lost, look and walk like you know where you are and where you are going. Confidence is the most intimidating thing that you possess under these circumstances.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish