by Lynette Hatton

Created on: January 11, 2011

Being single does not mean you have to be alone.

That’s one of the most fundamental things that people often forget.  In fact, a person who isn’t in a relationship has a tendency to have a more substantial social life than that of someone who’s part of a couple. But, he/she is also open to other vulnerabilities that may come from living or traveling alone.

These are some precautions that one should take, to limit the opportunities for danger.

1)  Travel in numbers
It’s important as a single person (especially as a single woman) to travel to and from social events with someone you trust, especially if you’ve been drinking. If it’s late, then you should ensure that your travel partner is going to going all the way home with you or that you’ll be able to bunk at her place.  It’s imperative that you don’t bring home a person you’ve met for the first time that night or go to his/her home.

2)  Give a close friend/relative keys to your home
If you’re living alone, you’ll want to make sure that you give someone a way to access your apartment in case of an emergency or in the event that you lock yourself out.

3)  Try not to take the same route home everyday
This one might be tough because we so easily get set in our ways. It’s important not to develop a predictable pattern so that a person can’t get in the habit of following you without your knowledge. Vary the times you leave work, the stops you make before heading home, even the direction you approach your home if at all possible. Don’t lock yourself into a routine that can’t be varied.

4)  Use a condom
Should be a no-brainer.  Condoms are important to maintain a healthy sexual life. They’re effective at preventing diseases and unwanted pregnancies.  A single person doesn’t want to find his or herself with either one of those things.

5)  Keep your wits about you
I don’t care where you live, it’s not a good idea to go jogging in secluded areas at night. That’s an activity that should be done during the day, and preferably with a partner. Always make sure no one is behind you when you approach your home. Don’t talk to strangers. Don’t announce when you’ll be out of town.  Try not to be on the phone while entering your building, as you’re likely to be distracted. Try to have impromptu visitors often so that you’re not always coming and going alone. It may even be a good idea to take a basic self-defense class.

The most important tip to remember in your single lifestyle is to keep your friends and family as close as possible. Visit them often and vice versa. It will not only help you to be safer, it’ll also help your mental well-being and allow you to be happier by strengthening relationships that are important to you.

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