fastfreddy2

Thank you sir!

As I've mentioned to you by PM, you are an inspiration. I'll never manage to push as far as you have managed, but I do what I can in my own <smaller> way.

"Trouble" is a relative term, that perhaps bears some explanation.

I generally walk out in the evening under cover of darkness. Getting harder here as darkness doesn't arrive until about 9pm at the moment. [Midsummer in 5 weeks.]

I'm getting more used to visiting malls and town centres in discreet heels, but yesterday I went out in heels that weren't that discreet. Until now, I'd had almost no experience of this. There was one short trip to a restaurant I've mentioned elsewhere, where I also nearly slipped over a couple of times on shiny wooden flooring, but that was about it.

This time out, I kinda declared my presence, though still in a fairly subtle way.

The main shopping area in the West End of London was fairly straightforward, and I've been there in heels a number of times already. The supermarket I went to, is situated in a reasonably poor area. I'd never been there before, and knew little about what sort of person I might meet inside. Two men I followed in through the front door, looked like they had been to the pub prior to going shopping for groceries. Us Brits have a problem with drinking, <controlling our consumption when we start> and alcohol is well known de-inhibitor.

I never worry about violence. I'm not big, but I do look like someone who might not provide an easy target. I've spent some of my recent years working in areas where 'decent' people would not choose to go. The closest I ever been to being mugged, I was being asked for 'fare' home. I gave a chap £1 coin. His mate wanted one too, and I refused. The 2nd chap was insistent, as was I. The 1st chap saw what going to happen, and thought better of the whole situation. Sure I was scared, but we Brits are known for not walking away from a fight, even if we expect to get a bloody nose. I guess these two realised that, and moved on to a softer target.

Same with shoes. I don't expect the sort of abuse some here who live in other countries, have suffered in the past. I am more worried about what I will describe as verbal abuse. I mean embarrassment of course. A bunch of [young-ish] lads laughing at me, (or girls thinking about it) would be the worst thing for me. Individuals looking at me, and making a point of laughing while I could see, would feel quite hurtful too. On balance, I think I'm starting to put myself in a position where this becomes almost inevitable, because I feel I should experience it? Not because I find it an attractive prospect, but I feel the need to 'inoculate' myself against a situation where I might have absolutely no control over the outcome. If I can acclimatize myself in a situation I've half-way arranged, I might be able to maintain an element of control.

So, "trouble" in this instance, was never likely to be any more brutal than being at the sharp end of a couple of middle-aged drunks, having some amusement at my expense.

I do appreciate your good advise though, and will endeavour to make good use of it.


I enjoyed reading the latest episode in your long-running thread last night. You sure have carved out an attractive lifestyle for yourself over there. May it long continue. My best regards to you.


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