Reflections are good. I also watch shadows near and around mine. I also stop unexpectedly and let people pass me. Lastly I directly let them eye my gaze, make eye contact and then let it wipe off of them sideways after a second or two like q moving camera shoot they've walked into so its not stare confrontation between us but it is directed attention and then dismissive changing of whats in my line of vision. I am aware of you but not panicked. If approached, direct eye contact, strong "No, thank you.". The three words as answer to solicitation for money, directions, conversation cuts through bullshit.
"I have been having a bad day, could you help me out with money?".
"No, thank you."
Because its so direct and polite but delivered intentionally it is bracing.
Try it.
Then I keep moving or pan my Visio away. I refuse rapport.
"oh man I'm hungry you didn't understand me."
Turn the camera back to them, not eyes but your field of vision. Now...silence as you fix glare onto them. Three to dive seconds of silence. Use silence, it gives humans nothing to go on. Do not move if you're standing or sitting. Stillness.
"I said no." Us a good follow up.
If they persist to a third.
Raise voice loudly, direct eye contact full directed anger.
"What part of no dont you understand?"
I live in nyf where you are literally accosted by beggars, scams, cons at least once a day on subway and streets, I'm not exaggerating. Its the one thing I detest about the city and will eventually move due to. It feels like living in Calcutta but impossible to tell accurately others intentions.
My "No, thank you." Tends to disarm and deflect so intensely because I say it so directly to any request. Do not conversate, stonewall.
Yes, I do give or help or answer questions but I take a beat to watch people in my space first.
NYC also has an abundance of tourists so I have to remember though they are offensive or feel intrusive thats not their intention. NYC is also home to a lot of foreigners who have questions regarding everything, for clarity.
I am not painting a good picture of NYC as a pedestrian, its a form of torture to travel.
Then whether someone is a mugger
....eiii gevalt!
But I have been safe so far.
Also extricate self from confrontation, make defensive space. Don't let people in too close when they refuse your no.
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