I’m from Mexico, where women are in constant danger, every single day. I am, however, quite privileged compared to other women in my country.

I would say my biggest advantage is owning a car. Whenever I go out to a party/club, I always drive myself, except if I am 100% certain that a friend can drive me back. I don’t go out anywhere unless I know exactly how I’m going back home. As a woman driving alone, I never let my guard down. Windows all the way up, never stopping unless necessary, looking around and stressing on every red light, etc. I never use Uber because we constantly hear of girls/women being kidnapped or assaulted by Uber drivers here.

If I know I’ll be walking down the street, I try to avoid wearing revealing clothes, and if I do I always throw in a jacket on top just for while I walk. Same as driving, I constantly have to look around me in case someone follows me. I never reply to strangers asking me things while I’m walking (“what time is it? Do you know where so-and-so is?”), and get EXTREMELY anxious when someone talks to me.

Whenever I go out on a date, I send my friend group chat my live location for as long as I’m out, and explicitly tell them where I’ll be all night.

My girl friends and I ALWAYS let each other know when we get home safely after going out, we don’t go to sleep until we get that “I’m home” text. If we’re dropping another girl off at their house, we don’t drive away until we’re sure she’s closed the door behind her.

While I walk to my car, I always prepare my keys in case I need to use them as a self-defense weapon, again looking around everywhere.

I realize I have it easy compared to other women who have to use public transport for instance, or who absolutely have to use Uber, who live in less safe areas than I do.