I'm from the government and I'm here to help you.
My current ladyfriend put me through the "are you paranoid" inquisition when we first met -- about 5 years ago. All the why do you need a gun, why do you need to carry a gun, how come you have a gun if nothing ever happens (
), sort of stuff for a few years. Not every time we got together, not every time we went out - but often enough for me to be more than aware of it as an "issue." Went on for about 3 years.
One night we were coming out of a classical music concert at the local university. Late night (after 11:30, but I do not recall the exact time) and very overcast. As usual, streetlights do not work, and we are parked about 3 blocks away. Now I used to be a college student myself, even if it was when racoon coats were still the rage
. So I am already set to defuse the alarms quickly if we see college kids out and about. Instead, I pick up on a shadow in an alley we have to pass by. It's just beyond the edge, not far enough in to be somebody wanting not to be noticed (drunk, sick, date a bit more willing than first presumed - what?) and too far in to be somebody trying to avoid the wind (of which there was none).
So I steer her over to the edge of the sidewalk closest to the street and move to the inside position while telling her I may want her to move out into the street quickly. She gives me the deer-in-the-headlight look for a second and then asks if there is something that is "bothering" me. As we get to about 10 feet from the alley I decide we are going to walk in the street and as I tell her to move I sort of nudge (OK, I pushed her, but in a loving way) her into the street. My off hand goes from around her waist to grabbing a bit of clothing at the small of her back so I can steer her while my strong hand gets a good combat grip.
We clear the alley and return to the sidewalk after about 20 feet, and I do a quick check of our 6, swing around to the outside again and we go merrily on our way.
Next AM's paper has a story about a couple who were mugged there about 30 minutes after we went by. I show it to her.
I am no longer "paranoid."
stay safe.
skidmark