“Don’t talk to strangers.”
-My Mom
Two movies that have ruined the mystique of cruising are: Love Boat and Titanic. (According to an actual ship captain from an episode of Mythbusters.) First off, people get the impression that they’ll meet the love of their lives on what is basically a boat ride, and second, having met somebody, people always want to go do that “Titanic” thing on the nose of the ship.
Though there is truth that, eventually, in all the cruises you take, you will meet someone special. What ruins the moment will be someone who might take advantage of you, steal from you, or other nasty things.
Better be safe then! Here are a few tips to ensure that you still have a grand time meeting people, while keeping your life safe.
Never allow yourself to be taken to an isolated place. Really. In the heat of the moment, certain things just happen faster than usual --- and why should they? Are you in a hurry in life? If, say, both of you are travelers in the first place, then certainly he’d make the effort to meet you again some other time --- maybe on land? Random hook-ups? Skanky.
Become keen. Notice his movements. Is he too friendly, touchy-feely? Does he mirror what you do, say, like when you cross your legs, does he cross his? Mirroring is a proven method of quickly gaining rapport --- when you’re in rapport with someone, it’s easy to say yes.
Avoid money talk. This isn’t just about splitting the bill, sister. Does he talk about hisfinancial woes oh-so-easily? Compassion and foolishness are two different things. It’s not a laughing matter --- some people are just wired to be givers; easily trusting a smile that comes their way. If he asks to borrow money from you with the promise of an immediate return, just don’t. We all have our financial woes, and not just him.
Cut back on the alcohol, especially if you’re traveling alone. Have you ever noticed
how, the people who claim to have a high tolerance for the stuff always ends up drinking too much? How many articles have you read that contained this tip --- and, and, are these articles always about safety when traveling? You could always lock yourself up in your quarters and let loose there, if you simply have to, and besides, it’s very easy to slip something in a drink.
Take self-defense classes. On general “stranger danger” precautions, this is a must. Certain classes even have flexible schedules that can work around your own. Defense classes teach you to be calm --- meaning, however intense a situation is, you’ll develop a healthy tolerance for it with a calm demeanor. And, on the rare instance that you have to defend yourself, you’ll be armed with the means to do so.
Be subtle. Don’t flash the goods immediately --- frivolous displays of status often shout “insecure!” Be low-key. Don’t bring your allowance in one go. Don’t show off money roll you have, and if you have one, bring a credit card instead --- they’re universal, plus, you’ll only have to bring petty cash with you. Dress down if you have to --- who are you dressing up for anyway?
My mom didn’t raise a prude, antisocial daughter, she raised one that was careful. Have fun kids!
