Ingenious Solution

Walking in the City at night, I also have encountered this problem, to which the advice columnist has an ingenious solution:

Dear Dan,

I have sometimes found myself walking behind a woman at night in an unsafe place and going in the same direction. Even though there is some distance between us, I can feel the doubt and worry in her mind. How do I handle this situation? Should I stop or say something? I have places to be, too, but clearly I don't want the woman to feel unsafe.

—Steve

Simply pick up your cellphone and call your mother. In the world of suspicion, nobody who calls his mother at night could be considered a negative individual.

Speak loudly, yet tenderly, into your phone, even if Mom isn't actually at the other end. All the world's a stage.