I think the book's title was Hard Target or something like that.
A friend of mine was sent to the U.S. from a foreign country, in order to be save from a powerful mob, so to speak. I bought her a copy of the book, in order to help her increase her awareness of what is versus what is not a threat.
It's amazing what some women think is a "threat" because of what they've "seen on TV," when on the other hand, a "handsome stranger" is one into whom some women project all kinds of great expectations, instead of being patient and getting to know the guy.
Some women are "at risk" because they are impatient; they want what they want when they want it, but they do not want what they do not want when they do not want it; so they operate, what is in their view, a kind of "green light" / "red light" / "force field" that is supposed to get them what they want.
When what they need to do is know men, now the men in their life (no matter how long or brief), and know the man.
While men should do likewise in their relations with women.
In general, I should say, that all people are dangerous, and it is a mistake to think otherwise, when in the course of everyday life, we should be well-practiced at recognizing what is dangerous, in addition to studying, "Is that actually dangerous to me? What do I do when that is not? What do I do when it may be, or is?
Any time that I enter a turn with some speed on the car, I am prepared for a tire to blow out.
If I am handling a firearm, "it is loaded; period."
I look around the bridge supports when I pass under a bridge.
I look up and examine the sides of buildings that I walk by, lest some outcropping be wobbling and waiting ...
On the south side of Columbus, OH, there is a sniper who has now killed an innocent women --- but I am not going to drive down there to see what's going on.
When I enter a aircraft, I examine all the structure around the hatch, to see how well it is maintained.
I do not assume that the yellow stripe down the center of the road, is going to keep people on the other side from hitting my car.
I do not assume that the badge on a police officer's uniform, is going to keep them from abusing their delegated authority.
I do not assume that the terrorists will bother to come into the airline terminal and wait in line, go through the security checks, etc., in order to board an aircraft ... when they can easily jump the fence around the perimeter of the airfield, and go directly to almost any waiting, full-sized jet-liner.
And I do not assume that the people around me are aware, or that they will react to danger, with timing, training, self-discipline, and courage.
In my humble opinion, you, ladyinred are more aware and more alert than many, and that is one reason why you are here. Because you know that trouble can come more easily, than most want to believe, and you would prefer to be both prepared, as well as on top of matters, as best you can, so that, when possible, you can block. stall, or somehow divert the danger.
I would not underestimate you, and I am fairly certain that you have the grit to be a hard target.
Yep, gotta be.
What I've never been able to understand is how so many women seem to get into relationships with violent men in the first place? I'm not talking about the over and over an over again ones (that's just plain mental problems that require treatment), I'm talking about otherwise normal, reasonable women who manage to get seriously involved with someone that has violent tendencies? I'm not criticizing anyone, just looking for some insights as I have an 11 year old daughter and would like to raise her to avoid such relationships.