An expert reveals the best lies to stay safe in different types of situations.
Ever more innovative techniques are emerging to protect against potentially risky situations. Techniques often developed by women, who run more risks than men in this regard. Self-defense, for example, is a sporting practice that has greatly gained popularity and allows its followers to feel more confident. In lively settings like bars and restaurants, code names like fake cocktail or fake waiter allow people who feel threatened to seek help directly from the venue’s employees.
Some experts choose to share their knowledge and tips. A practice made possible thanks to social networks. This is the case, for example, of Dannah Eve, American psychologist and criminologist. On Instagram and TikTok, the expert shares tips for personal safety, child safety and female empowerment. In a post published on February 28, 2024, Dannah Eve addresses the subject of lying as a way to avoid dangerous situations. The expert claims to have used this technique since a young age. The first piece of advice given by Ms. Eve is to never let a stranger understand that you are alone in a public place. She explains: “If you find yourself in the situation where someone asks you, ‘Does anyone know you’re here?’ The answer is always yes.”
The first specific situation where the expert recommends lying is on the way home. She indicates that, on foot, even if you are close to your home or your street, if a stranger asks you if you live here, the answer is always “no”. She recommends saying you’re visiting friends or family. One of his suggestions is: “I’m coming to drop off some stuff for my brother who lives here.”
The criminologist continues with a very common situation that seems harmless at first: a taxi ride. As she points out, making conversation with the taxi driver is a fairly commonplace habit. Once you arrive at your destination, the driver may ask you if this is your residence. A seemingly unimportant question, but one that the expert recommends lying about. As before, she advises saying that you’re going to visit friends or even simply saying “I’d love to!” if the situation allows you.
The third situation depicted by the psychologist is very classic, namely having a drink alone in a bar. If someone comes up to you and asks why you’re alone but he or she doesn’t inspire confidence in you, don’t hesitate to say that you’re waiting for your boyfriend, that your friends are on the way, or even though your husband is parking around the corner.
The fourth and final situation in which Dannah Eve recommends lying is when traveling. Even if you’re off to explore a new city, the expert advises not to let your tourist status show, especially if you’re alone. If asked, it is better to pretend that you have lived in the neighborhood or that you are visiting friends or that you studied in this city.