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GIRL TALK: Safety In Numbers


About month ago I walked home from school with my friend. My friend went down one street, but I had to keep walking to get to my house. While I went down the street I heard a loud car driving really slowly, and then they opened their doors and completely stopped their car. They offered me a ride; they were about two 20-year-old men. It really scared me, and I never told anyone, because I didn’t want me parents to go off and call the police or anything. I didn't know the men. I don’t think I did the right thing at all. Now I’m paranoid of being kidnapped. What should I do? Should I have told? Is it really that big of a deal?

-paranoid-of-kidnappers



Ever hear of the saying “There’s safety in numbers”?  It’s so true.  Even when I’m at the mall, my mom reminds my sister and I to stay together.  Listen hon, I’m not trying to scare you, but there are scary people out there and you absolutely have to be careful all the time.

You obviously did the right thing by not getting in the car with those men.  But you definitely should have told someone.  If you didn’t feel comfortable telling your parents, you could’ve called another relative or told one of your teachers the next day.  Since you’re still feeling a little overwhelmed by the situation, it may not be a bad idea to talk to your school guidance counselor about what you’re going through.  It’s totally natural to feel the way you do and no one is going to judge you. 

Remember, better safe than sorry.  Next time you walk home, be sure to take at least one other friend with you.  If this isn’t possible, find out if you can take the bus, carpool with a friend, or have one of your relatives pick you up from school.  You didn’t overreact; you did do the right thing.  While, thankfully, nothing happened this time, you never know what could happen, so it’s important to be on your guard all the time.

Lots of love,
L’Oreal
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10/7/2008 3:35:00 PM
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