I am so scared

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

I am sooo glad I wasn't drinking anything when I read that.

OP, I've worked in NYC for over 20 years now. I've survived 2 attacks on the WTC (working in the buildings during both attacks). I've used public transit every day to get to the office. Not kidnapped yet.
Seriously, I would see someone about your fears. This seems a tad irrational. I'm not trying to be mean even though it might seem that way.

My DH does like to know when I'm coming home so that he can plan dinner though.

Thank you for the enlightenment. I know I am a fearful person but I did not realize how bad it was until now

 

[dreamin_disney]

how old are you? I dont think this is a joke. Depending where you live some people mu=ight really be scared especially teens. I hear on the news all the time teens being kidnapped during daylight hours(after 3pm). There are many crazy poeple out there and the one's you have to worry about are the one that arent afraid to do their crimes in daylight hours in crowds.
What about the lil 7 years old that was almost kidnapped in walmart but was let go cause she started to scream and yell. Each time i watched the replay on the news it gave me chills

I think you have to get over some of your fears or you wont be able to live life. Be more aware of your surroundings. Carry a cell phone. If you feel better calling your parent just let them know it make you feel better. A simple text....will do. Good luck

i live in calif so its a big,busy and some places can be scary-lol!

 

[NMAmy]

I was told that I no longer have to let my mom or DH know when I get to work or when I will be late getting home. How do they know I will not get kidnapped? That is my biggest fear ending up on the missing person list.

So who told you that you no longer have to let your mother or husband know?

 

[Hannathy]

If this is a true post it is sad beyond belief.

 

[BlovesC]

Why waste so much time and effort worrying about something that has the a remote possibility of happening? I understand being aware and alert at all times, but if you honestly put yourself in a panic on your way home every day worrying that you'll be "kidnapped", your stress levels will have a far better chance of sending you to an early grave than some ax-wielding serial killer.

Millions of people use public transportation every day. You'll be fine. Texting anyone on your way home wasn't helping much, anyway. Even if your DH didn't get a text from you and panicked, most authorities won't waste the manpower to search for missing persons until a certain amount of time has passed!

 

[crashbb]

I'm still curious - did someone say that you don't have to call or that you weren't allowed to call?

If it's the first - no problem - if you want to call, go ahead and do so.

If it's the second - who said so and why?

 

[NMAmy]

how old are you? I dont think this is a joke. Depending where you live some people mu=ight really be scared especially teens. I hear on the news all the time teens being kidnapped during daylight hours(after 3pm). There are many crazy poeple out there and the one's you have to worry about are the one that arent afraid to do their crimes in daylight hours in crowds.
What about the lil 7 years old that was almost kidnapped in walmart but was let go cause she started to scream and yell. Each time i watched the replay on the news it gave me chills

I think you have to get over some of your fears or you wont be able to live life. Be more aware of your surroundings. Carry a cell phone. If you feel better calling your parent just let them know it make you feel better. A simple text....will do. Good luck

i live in calif so its a big,busy and some places can be scary-lol!

She's married so not a child. I'd hope anyway.

 

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

Why waste so much time and effort worrying about something that has the a remote possibility of happening? I understand being aware and alert at all times, but if you honestly put yourself in a panic on your way home every day worrying that you'll be "kidnapped", your stress levels will have a far better chance of sending you to an early grave than some ax-wielding serial killer.

Millions of people use public transportation every day. You'll be fine. Texting anyone on your way home wasn't helping much, anyway. Even if your DH didn't get a text from you and panicked, most authorities won't waste the manpower to search for missing persons until a certain amount of time has passed!

You have a point

 

[wvjules]

I hate to burst every ones bubble it is not a joke but I am glad all I have to worry about is getting on the missing person list or getting killed on the way to work

Making, or not making, a phone call won't change that.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

If someone tries to take you, make sure you do the following:

1. Scream the word "FIRE" over and over again

2. Bite

3. Kick him/her in the private area as hard as you possibly can.

4. Use your house/work keys and the heels of your shoes as weapons.

 

[nmmom95]

OP, I took public transportation for years to Philadelphia, and while there were some real characters, there was never any danger. I agree that you should discuss your fears with someone. While the thought of being kidnapped is terrifying, the odds of being taken in public are pretty slim. If it would make you feel better, make sure you always have a cell phone with you. You can set a preset number for 911. That may ease your mind.

 

[Octoberbride03]

Why waste so much time and effort worrying about something that has the a remote possibility of happening? I understand being aware and alert at all times, but if you honestly put yourself in a panic on your way home every day worrying that you'll be "kidnapped", your stress levels will have a far better chance of sending you to an early grave than some ax-wielding serial killer.

Millions of people use public transportation every day. You'll be fine. Texting anyone on your way home wasn't helping much, anyway. Even if your DH didn't get a text from you and panicked, most authorities won't waste the manpower to search for missing persons until a certain amount of time has passed!

I suppose it may depend on the local area, but where I live this is actually not true. You lose valuable time in not reporting a person missing when you know them well enough to know something is wrong. So as soon as you realize they've been gone too long then call the police.

OP: I used to ride SEPTA in Philly all the time and encountered my fair share of crazies, but my biggest fear was of getting on the wrong train or bus. You really want to consider asking your Dr. about this.

 

[robinb]

I was told that I no longer have to let my mom or DH know when I get to work or when I will be late getting home. How do they know I will not get kidnapped? That is my biggest fear ending up on the missing person list.

Can you carry a cell phone with you? You could call as soon as you get to work and then just as you are leaving.

 

[Handbag Lady]

Being afraid isn't going to get you any place.

You can do the following:

Be more aware of your surroundings
Take a defense class
Carry a cell phone
Carry your house keys in your hands such that they stick out when you are walking
See a shrink about your fears
Make sure you wear shoes that you can run in (take a change of shoes if you need to be dressed for work.)
Don't wear headphones
Don't be timid

Have you known someone who was kidnapped?

 

[ohiomom28]

Maybe it would make you feel better if you had some sort of self defense training? Also, make sure you are always in a place well lit, with people around and carry a cell phone. Many people ride public transit every day and sure, things happen but being prepared and taking precautions will help you IF something bad does happen.

 

[ICF]

3. Kick the guy in his private area as hard as you possibly can.

What if it's a female??

 

[Lynne M]

OP, we want to help you, but we're missing a really, really important piece of information. Did somebody tell you that you're not allowed to call your Mom or DH when you get to work, or when you have to work late? Who told you that?

Or did your Mom and DH just say that it would be ok for you to not call them? Maybe they think they're being a bother to you, asking you to call them?

If that's the case, it's OK to tell them that being on public transportation is kinda scary, and that you'd feel better if you could tell them where you were.

If you're getting in trouble at work for making personal calls, why not send a quick text instead? You could do it as you're walking into the place where you work.

 

[Donaldswife]

If this is a true post it is sad beyond belief.

Given the posters history, I would say it is true post and your post is not very kind. She has a fear, and wants to know how she should cope with it. No need to be rude to her for that.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

What if it's a female??

I advise still kicking her in the privates. We are sensitive down there too ya know....

 

[Hrhpd]

Well, you have every right to feel that way. Just look at the statistics!

Every 40 seconds in the United States, a child is reported missing or abducted. That translates to over 2000 children per day (under 18 years of age) or 800000 per year.

I think since you are an adult, your chances aren't quite this high.

Where exactly do you live?

Link to your statistics?

99.99999% of those supposed abductions are actually custody battles.

In another recent thread, statistics showed that actual stranger abductions were approximately 115 a year. 115 people out of the 313,925,298 people in the US.

You have better odds picking up a winning mega millions ticket on your way to the bus.

Telling a frightened person that there are 2000 children are abducted every day is just fear mongering.