I learned this from Debbie Gardner self-defense training. She emphasized that we are loving people, and our "angel nature" wants us to be open to even strangers; but it is OK and NECESSARY to keep a safe distance from anyone with the capability of doing us harm. Do not let them get close enough!

We cannot know their intent, and if they are decent people, they will NOT be offended!

Once on a long trip, I was putting my kid with safety seat in the car, a man came up behind me! asking for $ for gas. I said, do NOT bother a mother and her child! Go ask a man for money! Fortunately he retreated, by why pester a mom with a young child to begin with? Because they have tender hearts and are easier to approach and less likely to say no . . . To H*ll with that!