Does anyone else have this mindset?

Question

I live in New York, real close to the city, so when a stranger talks to me - especially if they're older and male - I automatically assume (a) they want to rape me, (b) they want to kidnap me, (c) they want to murder me etc. It sounds stupid, but it happens every day here, and whenever I'm out I always have to avoid the crazies and homeless that wander around. One time I was walking in the pouring rain (searching for a lost kitten :D) and the street was deserted but a guy drove up and asked me if I knew the directions to somewhere. I said no and he drove off but the whole time I was thinking "Holy s**t! This isn't happening, holy s**t, why didn't I stay inside..." and ran back to my house. (You know what they say about strangers and cars, especially when you're alone...) Is it normal, does anyone else think like this? I'm not paranoid, just wondering...

Answer 1

ok  i dont live in america or anything. but i feel the same way. The other day i was going for a run and a car pulled up next to me and started to follow me, i was scared out of my brains and i know akido and taekwondo. its just natural.

Answer 2

I would be if I lived in a liberal wonderland where you can't defend yourself. In the Midwest we look out for each other here. Criminals, rapists, child molesters, are involved in "hunting accidents" around these parts

Answer 3

i can understand your dilemma as we tend to read many cases where people are murdered. over my place here, security is considered very good and we could possibly stay out late even after midnight. its good that you are wary but just don't let it make you a skeptical, learn to open yourself up to others but take good care of your safety. you know the crime rate at your place. discuss with folks at your area on this matter and ask them how they deal with this matter. get to talk to old folks and they could offer their good experience.

Answer 4

In your last answer to one of my questions your stated that you were a child I won't state your age but your young.. this is why you don't get out and why you have fears. You need to grow up more and then maybe your views will change.

My answer has nothing to do with sarcasm... I do truly care about your question... gosh.. don't be so sensitive.

Answer 5

I always think like that, your not being paranoid. you don't know what could happen in this time

Answer 6

Learn self defense...stop worrying so much.

Answer 7

Carry mace.

Don't worry so much, but be on alert.

Never automatically assume anything.

Answer 8

Are sure you are not my sister.me and her are from new york but live in LA and feel the same.Its a no wonder, people(men especially) are unpredictable) like dogs.

Answer 9

i love in a completely white suburban area and i still feel like that.

better safe than sorry.

Answer 10

You are Paranoid.....you can't waste your life thinking that everyone is a danger...how will you meet people?

See..typical teen response.

You asked a question, and yet, when you get answers you don't like you get all funky about it.

You asked for opinions, you got them.

Deal with it!!!

Answer 11

always... better to be more alert than sorry

Answer 12

as a girl, i can completely understand that.  i almost always feel paranoid when weird looking or iffy-looking guys are around me.  it's ALWAYS better to be worried and safe than too much of a flirt.  i have a naturally bubbly personality and really have to watch myself.  but i do have that mindset, and it is scary to think about all the possibilites of what could happen to you.  but like someone else said- learn self-defense and that should help you not be so worried, since people can brake in your house or something bad can also happen to you inside your home.  or make sure that you always have a guy with you when your out and about.

Answer 13

are u stupid?

Answer 14

It's good you're looking out for your safety, but thinking like that too much is unhealthy.  Be street smart - walk in lit areas, and don't go out at night to the bad places of town, and most importantly TRUST YOUR OWN INSTINCT.  It sounds like you're too paranoid.  Relax.

Answer 15

Hun, do you really think you've got what an attacker even wants? I think your paranoid and kinda rude. The worlds NOT out to get you!

Answer 16

"It happens everyday," that's what you said!  Personally, I sleep with a loaded gun.  I do what I can to feel safe!  I've been attacted twice and I don't even live in a city!  I now know how to defend myself and that is something you should know how to do as well.

Answer 17

I would suggest moving to a place where you feel more comfortable.  Try the South or the Midwest.

Answer 18

Sometimes I feel like that, but I just try to think the best of the person.

Answer 19

I know! me too. I know it's stupid but just all of the stories I see on the news and stuff. Got me worried lol

Answer 20

I think you are paranoid aswell and you are thinking about this too much.  You need to look at life more rationally, not everyone is a murderer, a child molester or a rapist.  As said before trust your gut instinct and be street smart.  Don't go out late at night, don't hang around an ATM machine at night time either, when you are out with your friends stay together and if you can let someone know where you are going to and what time you will be returning.  It doesn't only happen to women, I'm a guy and I live in Ireland, one Summer three years ago I was out walking near my home and a car pulled up beside me, I thought it was someone looking for directions aswell, and this guy who looked like a mountain man half opened the drivers door and was about to get out, he didn't say anything.  I stood only a few feet away from him and I thought this is it, this **** is going down now, but he got back into his car and drove off.  Can you imagine what would have happened if there had been a young child walking along that road and that nutcase had pulled up.  Do try to think more rationally and maybe take up self defence and meet new friends at self defence class.