One way to protect yourself and your family is by avoiding confrontations through awareness and attitude.

Awareness is needed to be able to know when a situation could be brewing that you should avoid by leaving the area or by not going into the area in the first place. Pausing before entering a building or looking down an aisle at the grocery store can help you know what is happening before you walk into the middle of a bad situation.

Attitude is needed in two very different ways. The first way that attitude comes in handy is through projection. You need to project that you are not an easy victim. Most bad guys are interested in an easy score and will not even consider attacking someone who looks like he or she is able and willing to fight back. The other way that attitude is crucial to avoiding confrontation is by being the bigger person. There is no reason to get involved in a bad situation because of ego. If the would-be assailant is trying to impress people watching, walk away and let the person feel big. You know you could have handled it, so there is no reason to prove it to anyone.

Just because you’re carrying a concealed handgun does not mean that you should get involved. There could be legal issues, as well as a misunderstanding of the situation, which could cause many problems that you don’t want. Remember, your job is to protect you and yours.