The FENCE
So, we've self-analyzed our behaviors and aren't allowing ourselves to lose awareness of our surroundings in "exposed" venues. However, here comes a stranger toward us and we have no idea what he wants!
There are both verbal and physical tactics that come into play. What is of EXTREME importance is that we develop a process by which we universally handle all of these confrontations. By having a rehearsed, well-understood routine that we employ in these situations, we eliminate the need to make critical decisions in a very limited time. The last thing we want to ask ourself when confronted by a potential aggressor is, "What am I going to do now?" Professionals in many fields can be separated from amateurs by the way they handle situations that aren't simple and straightforward. Regardless of how complex the situation appears, it is always best handled by using a binary "flow-chart" decision-tree model. So, we simplify our decision-making by filtering down the stimuli of a scenario and leaving only the relevant data that pertains to our survival. Ever notice how your cat dashes for safety every time there's a loud noise? The cat doesn't wait around to see what caused the noise, it simply knows that running away from a scare is highly linked to its survival. Same thing happens when you're driving and you see the red lights appear on the back of the car ahead of you.... your foot immediately goes to the brake pedal. Why? You subconsciously know that this behavior is linked to your survival. (* This was a two sentence short course in the "reptilian brain" and amygdala-hijacking of your higher brain functions during high-stress situations).
Hopefully, I've shown how using a pre-planned response to the approach of a stranger relieves us of the stress of decision-making under stress. We'll be scared enough that we don't need to add any more load right now!
The "fence" is the universally-understood pose of putting up both hands in front of you: Hold it right there! Back off! Not so close! This gesture is recognized by all, regardless of language, and is extremely valuable when we attach some other tactics along with it. You simply hold both hands up, with fingertips at eye level, arms comfortably bent (not too close to your face or stretched too far out). Imagine how you'd talk with your hands when trying to calm somebody down.... The "fence" creates an unseen barrier (both physical and psychological) that is virtually universal in its meaning. We can learn to take advantage of this simple tool!
We've been sequentially building a very-proven skillset that will greatly improve our safety when handling confrontations with strangers. Awareness, coupled with good use of the fence, allows us to enforce a "personal space" in all but the most dire situations. A solid system does not leave any gaps, where a criminal could gain an advantage, while providing for escalation or de-escalation of the situation. The fence should segue seamlessly into application of force if the situation goes bad, while it should also provide a non-aggressive appearance which leaves the possibility of settling the confrontation without violence. We'll examine this concept much more thoroughly.
Next, we'll look at best-practice verbal and physical tactics for handling an incoming stranger.
Lee