It’s proven time and time again that attackers look for easy targets. They look for women with little self-esteem. They look for a woman who can’t say “No”. What messages are you sending with your non-verbal actions? Are you aware of your surroundings? Being assertive doesn’t come natural to all of us, but it is a skill that can save your life.
Some negative non-verbal cues could be:
- Slumped body
- Fidgeting or ringing your hands
- Downcast demeanor
- Shifting weight
- Appearing to be confused or out of sorts
So what can we do to be safe? Always be aware of your actions. Stand and walk upright and move with a purpose. Make sure you are not enticing or signaling a would-be attacker. You are strong woman, and you deserve to be treated with respect. Even if you don’t feel that way, make sure you are protecting yourself with positive non-verbal cues.