keep in mind..especially the women.  cross the street - it's not about your turf or theirs - it's  about feeling safe.  the way you appear to someone is their first impression of you and predators will make a pretty fast decision as to whether you are easy pickings or they should just wait for the next person who will be.  walk with purpose and stand tall - don't look down at the ground or in the eye...if they sense fear in you, they are halfway home in working you for money or whatever.  each self defense class i took i learned how not to be a target. evade trouble or get help..  best defense is a good offense. i learned if someone is making a beeline for me, i'm not going to wait to see -i 'm not in their movie - they're in mine. my hands get emptied.. anything that restricts movement comes off. i automatically think what can i use to defend myself. i like using a persons force against them. if they rush you -side step ,grab whatever body part you can and pull them right past you -