Though is it a routine to make sure that I have a firm grip on the heavy, hard-sided purse, just in case I need to use it as a weapon? Or is that being prepared?

Heh. I think that's just sensible preparation for potential self-defense. Or, you know, not dropping your purse.

Y'all are making me real eager to walk through the dark parking garage when I leave work.

Women have routines? Do women here have car-reaching routines?

Absolutely. I make sure my keys are strategically placed in between my fingers, pokey side out. My bag/purse are tucked away and not easily got. I do a quick check of the backseat before I get in. I make sure no one is following me.

Keep in mind, this stuff is so second nature, I don't think about it. I just do it. Just like being aware of my surroundings if I'm out and about, at night or otherwise.

Oh, here's a sad (apparently) nice-guy/no-communication tale: One day I was sitting on the subway. I'm sure I was reading, as I was on the subway. I was on the outside seat of a two-seat dealie. As we came to a stop, the man sitting next to me said, "Excuse me..." so I just got up and moved to another seat, to let him get off. Oops, no. Turns out he wanted to talk to me -- he came over a minute later and asked what he had been doing wrong. DUDE. Don't talk to me on the subway.

Head up, look around, with confidence (sort of like ita on a normal day), not with anxiety. Always park under lights at night, in the highest-populated area possible. Move like you have a purpose. Keep the keys in your right hand, ends and edges out and up, between the fingers, firm grip. Pay attention to everybody but don't make eye contact. I run defenses in my head (sort of like Miranda Otto practicing sword work on the sidewalk, but not actually) for being grabbed in different ways. I do a lot of visualization, and have done some simulation because familiarity reduces shock and improves reaction.

That's all I can think of. Oh! Always make sure your trunk lid is locked and check your back seat and floor before you get into your car.

But ultimately, as sorry as I feel for the many many wonderful men who get lumped in, that doesn't outweigh my own sense of self-preservation. So yes, keys (or pen) out, radar on scan, back-seat checked, and generally wary about meeting a new guy in any situation--certainly not in public if I'm alone.

Heh. I think that's just sensible preparation for potential self-defense. Or, you know, not dropping your purse.

Self-defense. I've deliberately broken someone's wrist with my purse.

I don't think I've done the keys-in-fist thing since I got held up at gunpoint. Eh.

I've deliberately broken someone's wrist with my purse.

Damn! I think your purse is bigger than mine.

Always make sure your trunk lid is locked and check your back seat and floor before you get into your car.

And under the car, as you approach it.