This is a kinda embrassing question to ask so pls don’t judge.
I did have moments where I like… went to the local library alone, or like an all day school trip or something…
But I never really like… explored outside alone… especially far from home…
So like… I feel scared about the idea of like… just going for a walk all by myself…
I realize I’ve always just asked parents to drive me somewhere so I never got a chance to just get in the habit of being by myself.
I don’t have a driver’s license so I don’t really have like a car to “retreat to”, if you know what I mean, like as in sort of “castle”.
How do I even “feel safe” just being outside on my own? For context I’m non-white so it’s… kinda intimidating… especially in the current context of US political atmosphere.
Go for walks around your area and slowly expand as you increase in comfort. I did something similar as a trans woman in the American Midwest. I’m still not super comfortable walking around places I don’t know alone, but that’s normal and healthy. You want to be developing a counter to the sense of fear in a love of exploration and an excitement at doing something new
Also, if you’re actually worried, pepper spray is a deterrent that may feel comfortable to carry around. In the off chance you’re attacked you take note of the direction the wind is going, and if it isn’t back at you you aim for the eyes and run.