When a person treats others with respect, it is natural to expect the same in return.  When one is disrespected, they tend to avoid those who do it to them.  Or they dish out some of what they have received.  Either way, it is abuse; it can be in the written, physical or verbal form.

I have received emails that contain what can only be described as ‘text speak’.  If one is text messaging others, this is probably quite appropriate.  However, in written communication, this is not acceptable.  It is most distracting, and not everyone understands the form.  Preferably, I won't read or respond to such missives.

Specifically:

I am not a ’peep’.  Peep is a show, a sound, or a marshmallow chicken seen on the store shelves at Easter time.  I am none of those things, nor are other people.  Are others so lazy that they cannot type or write ‘people’?  ‘People’ contains only one more letter than ‘peeps’.

When the offenders speak to someone do they use those same terms? 

UR - Is this supposed to be ‘You are’, ‘you’re’ or ‘your’?  Depending on the intended message, it could change the entire meaning of what is written.

Using initials in place of one’s name.  If you are writing to me, I assume that you know my name.  Use it.  I am not ZC, I am Zada.

In that same vein, I also resent it when others who do not know me put forth a constant spewing of love, support, and prayers.  This denotes a familiarity that is not warranted.  Dripping honeyed words too often is offensive to me. Too much sweetness and light can be very sour in another individual’s mind, and seems less than genuine. Perhaps I do not want their prayers.  They do not know what my religious beliefs are.  If I want their prayers I will ask for them.

I wish to be addressed as an intelligent human being, worthy of respect.  To my way of thinking, all of the aforementioned things are an insult and affront.  Others may not mind, but I do, so it is my problem, and no one else’s.  However, I should think that others feel the same way, even if they are not aware of it.

We seem to have lost the art of spelling words properly.  Could it be that we do not speak correctly?  Surely anyone with more than a third grade education knows how to spell and use written words.  An occasional spelling mistake happens to all of us, but I am seeing more and more glaring errors cropping up. 

If we don’t know the meaning of a word, we should either not use it, or check our dictionaries to verify the proper usage.

Well, off the soap box for now.

Lets go over what we know:

    Park in lighted areas - preplan your exit from buildings or activities

    There is safety in numbers, especially after dark or when going out for the night

    Always be aware of your surroundings

    Walk with confidence, even you don't feel that way

    Keep your vehicle locked

     Check the front AND back seat before you enter your car 

     The heel of your hand and your elbow make good weapons

     A well placed knee (or foot) can drop an assailant

     A purse or briefcase can be used to hit an assailant

     Keys have sharp edges that make a good weapon

Most of these items are just common sense, but lets talk about our everyday items that most women carry.  If you carry a tiny purse, you might consider moving up to a slightly larger size.  One that will accomodate a medium sized rock weighing a pound or two in the bottom.  It can be used to hit an assailant in the head.  Swung hard, it could knock them out!

Your car keys, carried in your fist, with one key protruding, can inflict pain and do a fair amount of damage.

Do you carry a pointed nail file?  It can be used as a weapon.

A butane lighter can be used as a makeshift torch and can buy you time and opportunity for escape.  At the highest setting and aimed at their face in close quarters it may blind them temporarily, and can even cause them to run away from you if you are able to inflict damage to their face.  Of course, this is for up close and personal use.

Rummage around in your purse and decide what items you might have that would make good weapons for defense and protection.  If you plan what you might do if attacked, you will be better prepared to act if it ever does occur.

As always, I do recommend taking a woman's self defense course.  You would be surprised at how much you will learn, and the confidence you will gain.