In light of the recent femicide cases, I wanted to share a story from a few years back.
The year is 2021. I’m 20 years old, competing in the Iron Fit Classic at Two Rivers Mall. I’m prepped, fully ripped, and looking good as hell. Ladies wanted to be with me, and guys wanted to be me and be with me it was that aesthetic look, not a mass monster.
After the show, I get approached by an old guy (mid-50s/early 60s) under the guise of a corporate sponsorship. Gym membership paid, supplements paid. I was hyped, but at the same time, my 6th sense was pounding. I agreed to a meeting to "align visions."
I told my father and he warned me: "Stay sharp, stay vigilant." The meeting was set for a Sunday—first red flag.
He picks me up (feels dirty even saying that now). But before I got in that car, I told my girlfriend, my friend, my sister, and my father. I had my live location on and shared the guy’s number with my dad.
It turned out it wasn't a business deal. The guy was just a predator looking for something else.
The point I’m making is this: I’m a sizable guy. I was never in immediate physical danger, but I still took every step to ensure I was safe. Now imagine the situation reversed. Imagine a girl in her early 20s taking a meeting with a stranger in the middle of the night with alcohol involved.
If a guy my size feels the need to have a "safety net" for a daytime meeting, imagine a defenseless girl putting 100% trust in a random man.
Be safe. Safety is as personal as it gets. Don't let your guard down for anyone.