The Walk of Shame: Surviving the Night While Sneaking Out
So, you’ve woken up in a stranger’s bed, and all you can think about is getting out of there! Maybe it was a wild night out with friends that ended in a one-night stand, or maybe it was a drunken mistake. Whatever the reason, you’re now faced with the Walk of Shame.
A treacherous journey home that can be embarrassing, insulting, and downright dangerous. Fear not, we’re here to guide you with tips to ensure that you get home safe and sound.
1) Risks and Safety: Stranger Danger
While the majority of people are safe, there is always someone who may pose a risk. When it comes to The Walk of Shame, there are particular safety measures you need to take.
For instance, do you know who you’re leaving the house with? You could be leaving with a serial killer! Therefore, before leaving, make sure to collect all your essentials, including your phone, money, and ID in case you find yourself in a tight spot.
Once you’ve gathered your belongings, text a friend who you trust and let them know your whereabouts. It’s recommended to have a trusted friend on standby to call, just in case you need immediate help.
If you’re paranoid, save your friend’s number under a mundane name like “Mom,” so in case someone else picks up, they won’t suspect anything. Lastly, if the situation seems sketchy, don’t be afraid to take a cab and cover your tracks.
2) Etiquette and Attire: Sneaking Out with Respect
It goes without saying that sneaking out of someone’s house is disrespectful. However, we understand that sometimes, circumstances necessitate it.
If you have to leave, do so quietly and respect their space. Avoid shouting out a goodbye or making a scene.
Doing so draws unnecessary attention, which may lead to embarrassment. Conversely, you don’t want them to assume that you don’t fancy them by sneaking out without a word.
The attire you choose to wear can also make a considerable difference in how you may be perceived during your Walk of Shame. While your outfit may have been perfect at the club or party, it may look out of place during your morning stroll.
Try to avoid anything too flashy or revealing as it can attract unwanted attention, which you want to avoid at all costs. Instead, go for something casual and comfortable.
Moreover, sunglasses and a hat are essentials that will help you keep a low profile.
3) Preparation and Confidence Boosters: It’s All in the Details
The best way to counteract anxiety during your Walk of Shame is by being prepared.
Before you head out of the door, visit the bathroom and freshen up. Ensure that you’re carrying enough cash to cover your cab rides.
You don’t want to be stuck walking because you don’t have enough money for a ride. While you’re on your way home, keep your head up high and avoid giving anyone who looks your way a second glance.
It’s all about confidence. The more you carry yourself with poise, the less likely someone is to question your appearance.
In addition, if someone does shout anything derogatory or makes snide remarks, DO NOT ENGAGE. Keep moving and holding your head high.
They will undoubtedly get bored and back off, eventually.
4) Better Safe than Sorry: Assessing Risks and Protecting Oneself
Suppose you’re out for a night out with your friends.
How do you ensure that everyone stays safe? Assessing risks is critical.
Before you step out of the door, make a mental note of where emergency exits are located. Share your number with your friends and have them share theirs with you as well.
Also, enforce a buddy system responsible for checking in on each other periodically throughout the evening. Should someone go missing or stop replying, the assigned buddy can alert the rest of the group.
It’s essential to be mindful of who you interact with during your night out. Never accept a drink from someone you don’t know.
They could slip drugs into your beverage, rendering you helpless. If you’re too drunk, avoid getting into a cab with a stranger.
Instead, wait together as a group and hail a cab. Alternatively, walk to a public place where there is ample lighting to call a cab.
Better safe than sorry!
In conclusion, the Walk of Shame isn’t a new phenomenon, but it’s one that no one really talks about. Hopefully, with the tips shared in this article, it becomes less daunting.
Remember, your safety comes first!
5) Don’t Sneak Out: Respecting Yourself and Others
The Walk of Shame is an experience that one may want to avoid altogether. The shame, disrespect, and potential for danger are among the many reasons why it’s not a recommended habit.
It’s important to hold yourself in high regard, so sneaking out of someone’s bed shouldn’t be a routine. When you enter someone’s home and share their bed, it’s critical to acknowledge that they’ve extended a level of trust that you should respect.
Sneaking out silently is equivalent to leaving without saying goodbye, which is hurtful to your partner. To avoid causing any unintentional harm, it’s best to communicate with your partner regarding your intentions before going to bed.
6) Communicating with Your Partner: Preventing Insults
Waking up next to a new face can be daunting. If you’re unsure of what to do, taking a minute to contemplate your words and actions is highly recommendable.
The need to sneak out of someone’s space can stem from shame or embarrassment, which arises from not being comfortable with your sexual decisions or behavior. However, before you sneak out, consider your partner’s feelings.
The way you leave tells them much about your character and how you perceive the encounter. Struggling with what to say?
Be honest! You can simply say, “Thank you for the wonderful night, but it’s time for me to go” or “I had a good time, but I need to go.” It’s simple, non-confrontational, but also leaves room for further communication if your partner has other questions. It’s essential to be sincere in whatever you say.
Avoid saying anything that might be considered insulting or hurtful, such as “I need to go wash off the shame,” or “I can’t believe I slept with you.” Such comments devalue yourself and belittle your partner’s feelings. You don’t have to be best friends with your partner, but maturely acknowledging the situation will give you and your partner the respect you both deserve.
7) It’s Okay to be Late: Saving Your Sanity
We all have those mornings where everything seems to go wrong, and we’re rushing out the door frantically. You may oversleep, get lost, or forget something crucial.
Whatever the case may be, it’s okay to be late. Rather than hastily rushing out and risking disorientation, take a moment to gather yourself before heading out the door.
It may seem like a waste of precious time, but taking a few deep breaths to calm yourself will help you perform better in any tasks that come. In fact, the sense of urgency may subside, and you can focus more on what matters.
8) Time Management: Prioritizing Appointments
The first step to avoiding tardiness is being realistic with your schedule. While some things may seem crucial at the moment, learn to prioritize activities according to their importance.
Consistently assigning timeframes to tasks and appointments will significantly improve your punctuality. Additionally, setting reminders and staying organized is essential to managing your daily routine and battling tardiness.
9) Composure and Clarity: Avoiding Disorientation
When we’re in a rush, we tend to hyperfocus on specific actions, which sometimes causes disorientation and frustration. To prevent that, perform tasks one step at a time, calmly and with clarity.
Doing so minimizes distractions and provides an enjoyable experience. Remember, being late can be a considerable inconvenience for others.
Hence, it’s best to maintain composure and remain focused on meeting your appointment or task on time. In conclusion, sneaking out of someone’s space is discourteous.
To prevent disobliging anyone, be communicative and sensitive to your partner’s feelings. Furthermore, rather than rushing out the door frantically, accept that it’s okay to be late sometimes and prioritize activities to minimize tardiness.
Finally, staying composed and achieving clarity in actions are vital in preventing disorientation and saving your sanity.
10) Carry Basic Essentials: Be Prepared for Anything
It pays to be prepared for any situation, which includes carrying the essentials you may need throughout the day.
At the very least, you should carry some cash, your phone and ID, a jacket (if the weather is cold), sunglasses (if it’s sunny), and makeup (if you’re big on touch-ups). These items will come in handy in various situations, such as when you need to hail a cab, protect your eyes from the sun, or refresh your makeup before an important meeting.
11) Essential Items: It’s Not Just About Condoms
While condoms are a must-have, you should also consider carrying other crucial items that will help you stay comfortable and prepared. Some of these items include a water bottle, feminine products, pain relievers, and an umbrella.
By carrying these things, you’ll be ready to take on the day, no matter what it throws at you.
12) Preparedness: Convenience is Key
When you’re on the go, convenience is key, so make sure to invest in essentials that won’t take up too much space in your bag or pockets.
Consider using contactless payment methods, such as credit cards or mobile wallets, instead of carrying cash everywhere you go. You could also carry multi-functional makeup products that double up as lipstick and blush to save space in your bag.
Remember, being prepared means being able to take care of yourself in any situation that you may find yourself in.
13) Spend a Few Minutes in the Bathroom: Giving Yourself a Fresh Look
Mornings can be hectic, but taking a few minutes to freshen up before leaving can make all the difference in your day.
The bathroom is an excellent place to spend some time in, and by doing so, you’ll be more presentable, less rushed and disheveled.
14) Personal Hygiene: Morning Routines
Your morning hygiene routine is vital for both your health and your appearance.
A quick shower, brushing your teeth, and deodorizing will make you feel clean and ready for the day. Additionally, for a fresh breath of air, carry mints or gum to avoid any unpleasant breath.
15) Untangling Hair: Avoiding Unkempt Bed Head
Most of us wake up with bed head, which means our hair has gone all sorts of crazy during the night. Instead of leaving the house looking unkempt, spend a few minutes in the bathroom untangling your hair, using a comb or brush to achieve your desired style.
Using a little hairspray or styling gel can also help keep your locks in place.
16) Smudge Removing: Maintaining a Presentable Look
Finally, take a moment to inspect yourself in the mirror and remove any smudged makeup, dirt, or residual eye swirls that may have accumulated under your eyes.
You could use makeup remover wipes or a damp cloth to remove these smudges and give yourself a fresh look.
17) Presentability: Look Good, Feel Good
By spending time in the bathroom, you’ll feel more confident and comfortable about your appearance.
You never know who you may come across during the day and impressions matter. Therefore, it’s crucial to showcase the best version of yourself, and spending a few minutes in the bathroom every day can help you achieve precisely that.
In conclusion, carrying basic essentials is not only convenient but also necessary when on the go. By being prepared for any situation, you set yourself up for success.
Moreover, taking a few minutes in the bathroom before heading out can make you look and feel presentable, confident, and ready to conquer the day ahead.
18) Call a Cab: Choosing Transportation with Safety in Mind
When out with friends and a few drinks, it’s easy to get carried away and lose track of how much you’re drinking.
Before you know it, you’ve had one too many, and the prospect of getting home safely seems like a daunting task. While a nice guy may offer to drive you home, it’s important to put safety first by calling a cab.
Not only does it ensure your safety, but it’s also the right thing to do for your friends and family members. They’d rather have you take an inconvenience than recall an unfortunate incident that could have been avoided.
19) Transportation and Safety: Keep Yourself and Others Safe
Drinking impairs judgment, and when under the influence, it’s difficult to assess the situation objectively. While someone may seem like a nice guy, it’s essential to understand that he may not be reliable and might not have your best interests at heart.
Always choose a trusted mode of transportation, such as a cab, even if it costs a few extra dollars.
20) Mutual Favor: Eschewing Gratitude for Kindness
Why not view calling a cab as returning a favor?
Think of it as earning brownie points with your friends and family. When you’re safe and sound at home, you’ll feel grateful, and so will your loved ones.
You can even offer to pay for their cab ride home to show your appreciation for their kindness. Ultimately, it’s a come-what-may situation where everyone benefits.
21) Don’t be Ashamed: Being Comfortable and Confident in Your Choices
While taking a cab home is a smart and responsible decision, many often feel ashamed of how they behaved or the situation they got themselves into. It’s important to resist these negative feelings and instead adopt a positive mindset.
Rather than view the situation in a negative light, take it as an opportunity to learn from it.
22) A Positive Mindset: Embracing Optimism
The key to combating shame is to adopt a positive mindset.
It’s important to remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes, and that’s how we grow and learn. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of your situation, choose to focus on the positive.
Embrace optimism and reframe your thinking from a place of kindness, gratitude, and self-acceptance.
23) Confidence Booster: Walking Proudly and Having Fun
Lastly, don’t shy away from the fact that you took a cab home.
Instead, walk confidently with your head held high. You made a responsible decision that ensures your safety.
Take pride in that decision, and don’t let anyone shame you for it. Ultimately, your friends and family members care more about your safety than anything else.
In conclusion, it’s important to prioritize safety when faced with challenging situations. Choosing a safe and reliable mode of transportation, such as a cab, ensures your safety and allows you to walk confidently and have fun while out with friends.
Adopting a positive mindset and embracing positivity is key to overcoming any shame or negative feelings associated with taking a cab home. By doing so, you empower yourself to make responsible choices in the future.
In conclusion, the tips shared in this article, spanning from the Walk of Shame to daily habits like carrying essentials and maintaining cleanliness, aim to lead readers towards confident living. From prioritizing safety over convenience and embracing a positive mindset, to knowing drug risks, communicating with partners, spending a few extra minutes in the bathroom, and understanding personal boundaries, these life hacks empower readers to live sustainably, confidently, prepared, healthy, and brave, knowing that every decision they make counts.
Taking control over self-preservation is crucial, and the practice of making conscious and responsible choices is not only beneficial to one’s self, but also to those around them, as it ensures safety for all.
