New CHL'r Going CRAZY!

[dihappy]

I work in a hotel, and its not the best of neighborhoods either.

Ever since i recieved my CHL and have learned about condition white, yellow, etc.

I find myself observing every Joe Blow who walks in the door, especially at night.

I routinely see dudes reaching back behind them to get their wallet out and i cant help but feel a split second of "God i hope he's reaching for his wallet".

How do you guys remain calm everyday??
This is starting to get stressfull.

Just the other night some guy reached "high" around his back and i was like "oh crap", but of course, only his long wallet came out :)

HELP! :)

[Kalrog]

Welcome to the world of the sheep dog. Remember that all of this was happening before you got your CHL - you are just now aware of it.

[stevie_d_64]

I switched to decaff, which improved my accuracy and mental stamina...

Otherwise, you get used to it I suppose...

You'll be fine...

[bburgi]

In reality I think it's just an issue of experience. For a while everything seems like a threat. After a while you begin to get a handle on what's normal activity and those things that seem out of place. Little things will set off your personal alarm, and you can often spot threats ahead of time. The trick is not to become complacent at that point with the "normal activities", but to maintain your awareness. Eventually you get to a point where you can be aware of the activities and actions of people around you without being paranoid.

Not everyone is out to get you, but anyone could be out to get you... What a great world we live in.

[G.C.Montgomery]

I guess if you grow up assuming someone will try to hurt you, you have a different view of the world. The threats you are newly aware of have been there all along. The world is a dangerous place and people are willing to kill you. But with that outlook, I think you are forced to develop a better sense of the real indicators of trouble.

There is WAY more to it than a person's appearance. As a matter of fact, I'd argue that many people completely miss the real threats because they are hung up on precieved notions of how a potentially threatening person looks. I actually felt slightly calmer after getting a CHL. The gun is no guarantee of success but it can be a great tool to have. I'll admit though, I'm a convert.

There was a time that I was against CHL. I didn't have a problem with guns. I thought the bans on full-autos, imported military pattern guns and the idiotic "assault-weapons" ban were all bad ideas. But I honestly thought my days were numbered if CHL passed because of a run in with a white-haired, old lady in the Galleria before the law was passed.

[HighVelocity]

You'll get used to it. It will not go away, it will just become your normal state.

[jbirds1210]

As a matter of fact, I'd argue that many people completely miss the real threats because they are hung up on precieved notions of how a potentially threatening person looks.

The scariest looking people in the world are often big hearted and kind. What is to say that a "gang banger" can't put on a shirt and tie to take the edge off? I agree with everyone here that you will learn to see the real signs of trouble and live in that state as long as you like.
Jason

[GlockenHammer]

The curse of a good guy in condition yellow. The folks above offer sage advice.

Yes, the bad guys will almost always get to play their card first. In your position, there is very little you will be able to do on the day that wallet turns out to be a gun.

But you aren't dead yet. Here are some things to do. Make yourself an undesireable target. Install video cameras. Keep cash to a minimum. Publicize those facts. Be alert and attentive to those walking in. Get a good look at them.

Increase your odds... Give them the money (shooting him/her would likely cost you more anyway until we get some new legislation passed). Install a silent alarm. Try to get other people around as much as possible. Keep the area well lit, including the outside.

My wife worked at a "stop-and-rob" when she was in college. Most BGs are going to want the cash and a quick escape. They are not likely to want to kill you, or abduct you. If they want to kill you, they either had a reason or you are randomly chosen. Don't give them a reason and hope you aren't randomly chosen. If they intend to abduct you (as most women might fear), that is the time and place for the handgun. During the abduction, you will likely find an opening to get your weapon in play and take care of business.

And if that doesn't work, you can always look for a different job.

[carlson1]

I guess if you grow up assuming someone will try to hurt you, you have a different view of the world. The threats you are newly aware of have been there all along. The world is a dangerous place and people are willing to kill you. But with that outlook, I think you are forced to develop a better sense of the real indicators of trouble.

There is WAY more to it than a person's appearance. As a matter of fact, I'd argue that many people completely miss the real threats because they are hung up on precieved notions of how a potentially threatening person looks. I actually felt slightly calmer after getting a CHL. The gun is no guarantee of success but it can be a great tool to have. I'll admit though, I'm a convert.

There was a time that I was against CHL. I didn't have a problem with guns. I thought the bans on full-autos, imported military pattern guns and the idiotic "assault-weapons" ban were all bad ideas. But I honestly thought my days were numbered if CHL passed because of a run in with a white-haired, old lady in the Galleria before the law was passed.

Very Well Said!

[KBCraig]

I guess if you grow up assuming someone will try to hurt you, you have a different view of the world.

Our friend G.C. speaks the truth, and he's entitled.

Some might chuckle at the notion that anyone would try to hurt someone of G.C.'s size, but I promise you that the world is full of fools who want to prove they can whip the big guy. And those with that attitude are pretty determined to succeed, even if it means whipping out a gun, just to even things up.

Not to mention those folks of a certain era, who assume that all black men are up to no good, and who feel threatened by a black man of unusual size.

I salute you, G.C. Thank you for your contributions here.

Kevin

[dihappy]

Yes, the bad guys will almost always get to play their card first. In your position, there is very little you will be able to do on the day that wallet turns out to be a gun.

Thats exactly what im afraid of Glock.

I grew up in a minority side of town, and know quite well that not every black or hispanic thug wannabe is out to get me or rob the place.

I agree that the nice guys or gals whom you least expect can just as quickly pull out a gun and decide they need your money to support their drug habit.

Thanks for all the responses guys, i just didnt want to feel alone in my "paranoia"