I know, I know. In the UK, many people still think prepping is the realm of conspiracy theorists and paranoid nutters. But, given what the world has experienced over the last few years, and the many examples we’ve got of local and national crises through history, being prepared is, in my opinion, smart. I was brought up to be self-reliant and “prepared”. And I’ve imparted those skills and values to my family, too.
But it’s not all growing and preserving food and stockpiling water and loo roll. A big part of preparedness is about safety in different situations. And, with the rioting that’s been happening in UK towns and cities recently, I thought it’d be helpful to share some simple tips to help you navigate civil unrest safely. Yes, ideally, you’d be safely indoors. But what if you’re unexpectedly caught outdoors when the rioting starts? Or you’re forced to leave your home and need to navigate through a dangerous area to a place of safety?
In times of crisis, the ability to blend in can be a lifesaver. The grey man theory focuses on becoming invisible in plain sight, allowing you to navigate dangerous situations unnoticed. This skill is especially crucial during civil unrest when standing out could make you a target. Mastering the art of blending in isn’t just about what you wear – it’s a complete approach to your behavior and interactions. These tips will help you become a true grey man, ready to face uncertain times with confidence.
Dress Like the Locals
When aiming to blend in, your clothing choices are crucial. Wear what you’d expect others in your area to wear. Avoid bright colors, logos, or anything that might draw attention. Opt for muted tones and common styles. If you’re in a business district, a simple suit might be perfect. In a more casual area, jeans and a plain t-shirt could work well. Always have a few outfit options ready so you can quickly adapt to different environments.
Keep a Low Profile
Maintaining a low profile is key to being a grey man. Avoid drawing attention to yourself through your actions or words. Don’t engage in loud conversations or arguments. Keep your head down and avoid eye contact when possible. If you need to observe your surroundings, do so discreetly. Use reflective surfaces like windows or your phone screen instead of openly looking around. Remember, the goal is to be forgettable and unremarkable.
Master the Art of Small Talk
While it might seem counterintuitive, knowing how to engage in small talk can help you blend in. If approached, be prepared with a few neutral topics of conversation. Discuss the weather, local sports teams, or traffic – anything non-controversial. Practice giving vague, non-committal responses that don’t reveal much about yourself. The key is to seem friendly but uninteresting, so people’s attention naturally drifts away from you.
Adapt Your Body Language
Your body language can give you away faster than your words. Practice maintaining a neutral, relaxed posture. Avoid nervous habits like fidgeting or constantly checking your surroundings. When interacting with others, subtly mirror their body language to build rapport. Keep your movements slow and deliberate. Quick, jerky movements can draw unwanted attention. By controlling your non-verbal cues, you’ll communicate “I’m not a threat” without saying a word.
Use Urban Camouflage
Cities offer numerous opportunities for blending into the background. Learn to use urban features to your advantage. Stand near advertisement posters or busy storefronts when observing your surroundings. In crowded areas, position yourself near groups without joining them, appearing as if you’re part of the crowd. Use shadows and doorways for concealment when needed. By understanding how to disappear into the urban landscape, you’ll be able to move through the city undetected.
Carry a Grey Man Bag
Your bag can be a powerful tool for blending in. Choose a non-tactical looking backpack or messenger bag in a neutral color. Fill it with everyday items that won’t raise suspicion if searched, like a water bottle, snacks, and a book. Hidden among these normal items, you can carry your emergency supplies. This way, you’re prepared for anything without looking like you’re ready for disaster.
Master the Art of Misdirection
Sometimes, the best way to avoid attention is to redirect it. If someone seems too interested in you, create a distraction. Drop something, point out something interesting in the opposite direction, or pretend to receive a phone call. These small acts can break someone’s focus on you and give you a chance to slip away unnoticed. Practice these techniques until they feel natural and unforced.
Develop a Forgettable Persona
Create a bland, uninteresting persona to adopt in public. Practice speaking in a monotone voice and giving vague responses to questions. Avoid expressing strong opinions or engaging in controversial topics. If forced into conversation, steer it towards mundane subjects. The idea is to be so boring that people’s attention naturally drifts away from you. This forgettable persona becomes your shield, allowing you to observe and move through crisis situations unnoticed.
Learn to Move With the Crowd
In situations of civil unrest, crowds can provide excellent cover. Learn to move with the flow of people without standing out. Match the pace and direction of those around you. If the crowd stops, you stop. If they move, you move. This technique allows you to travel through areas unnoticed, using the crowd as camouflage. Just be ready to break away if the situation turns dangerous.
Master Situational Awareness
While trying to blend in, it’s crucial to stay aware of your surroundings. Practice observing without being obvious about it. Use reflective surfaces, quick glances, and your peripheral vision to keep track of what’s happening around you. Listen for changes in the noise level or tone of the crowd. By staying alert, you’ll be able to react quickly to any changes in your environment while still maintaining your grey-man appearance.
Use Technology Discreetly
In today’s world, everyone has a smartphone. Use yours as a tool for blending in. If you need to observe your surroundings, pretend to be engrossed in your phone. Use it to check maps or gather information without looking lost or confused. But be careful not to become too absorbed – you still need to maintain awareness of your environment. And in some situations, it might be better to keep your phone hidden to avoid becoming a target for theft.
Practice Non-Committal Responses
When interacting with others, it’s important to be forgettable. Practice giving non-committal responses that don’t reveal much about you. Use phrases like “Maybe,” “I’m not sure,” or “That’s interesting” to avoid engaging too deeply in conversations. If asked for your opinion, give a neutral response that doesn’t align you with any particular group or ideology. The goal is to be polite but unmemorable.
Blend Your Scent
Often overlooked, your scent can make you stand out. Avoid wearing strong cologne or perfume. Use unscented deodorant and hygiene products when possible. I know, it sounds ludicrous, but scent can be a real trigger that makes you memorable and makes you stand out. By managing your scent, you ensure that you don’t attract attention through any of the senses.
Master the Art of Excuses
Have a few believable excuses ready for different situations. If someone questions your presence in an area, be prepared with a plausible reason. Maybe you’re looking for a lost pet, waiting for a friend, or trying to find a specific address. Practice delivering these excuses naturally, without hesitation. The key is to have a reason that’s mundane enough not to raise suspicion, but also not so interesting that it invites further questions or engagement.
Know When to Break Character
While blending in is crucial, it’s equally important to know when to break character. If a situation becomes too dangerous, be ready to abandon your grey man persona and take more direct action to ensure your safety. This might mean running, fighting, or calling for help. Always prioritize your survival over maintaining your cover. Practice quickly switching between your grey man persona and a more assertive demeanor so you can respond appropriately to sudden changes in your environment.
Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
