Don’t completely discount what you’ve heard about being aware of your surroundings. It is possible that someone you don’t know could simply attack you, but statistics show that the idea of a man in a black mask who pulls up in a white van is very uncommon. The myth of the bad guy is a term that self-defense teachers like Kelly Muir give this misconception that you’ll be attacked while out for your Sunday jog just because they want to hurt you. The key to being prepared for dangerous situations is recognizing that anyone could flip their switch. The uncle you love who happens to drink too much could be the greatest threat posed to you. Know what people are capable of, but don’t fantasize bad things happening to you in unlikely scenarios.