So.. Here’s just survival tips for all my friends out there. Listen to it, don’t, whatever. Just some friendly advice. It’s probably going to sound like it’s geared towards men, but it’s really towards all genders, imo.
Keep a knife on you. A folding knife, a fixed blade knife, whatever’s your preference, but keep a knife on your person at all times, you never know when you might need it. Don’t be afraid to splurge on the knife either, it can be your best friend in a tough situation. If you can’t afford a good knife, that’s okay. Get a decent/cheap knife and carry it until you can afford a good knife.
Always carry a set of tools in your car. Preferably a hammer, a set of screw drivers, a set of wrenches, etc. Something. Things you can work with. Learn to use them. Even if you can’t use them, you might be with someone who can, but please, learn to use them.
Have a flashlight. Either on your person, or in your vehicle. Say what you want, but that can be some serious damn comfort in a dark situation. [Haha, see the fucking pun I made there? Whatever, bite me.] Also, it’s nice to see what you’re doing in the dark.
Always carry a lighter, even if you don’t smoke. You can make friends that way, but it’s also nice to be able to build a fire in case you have to do it in a pinch.
Learn self defense. This isn’t always about how to fight, but how to avoid a fight ot a bad situation in general. Learn how to de escalate a bad situation, or how to end one before it begins. Understand that fair fights are schoolyard bullshit, and that the only winner of a fight is one who survives it.
Learn about guns. It’s okay if you don’t like guns, but you still need to know about them. Even if you never want to own or touch a gun, sometimes knowing how to use one can save your life or someone else’s life. Also, it helps if you ever witness a crime, you could describe what the suspect had to the authorities, or possibly what the fuck to hide behind if that asshole starts shooting. Mostly because you can get an idea of what it’s gonna penetrate, or how many shots they have.
Learn a skill that people feel is antiquated. Canning, preserving. Fuck it, crocheting or tanning. Learn it. Learn how to work with metal, or how to make soap. Stuff like that can be hella fun, and you can even use it for side cash. Also, just in case the world goes to shit, you’ve now got a skill that’s suddenly really fucking useful. Imagine that.
Take the time to meet your neighbors. Make friends with them, or at least build up a decent repertoire. Pay a visit to your local fire department or police department, do a police ride along. Hell, bring a cheap box of doughnuts to either place and you can make friends/leave a decent impression with either. Occasionally volunteer at a shelter if you’ve got the time. You’ll always feel better if you’re in a bad situation and you’re around someone you know.
Be a decent person, but don’t take anyone’s shit. You’re not anyone’s bitch. Unless, well, you like that kind of stuff, and then hey.
