Staying completely safe often requires following a lot of little rules that can make life feel restricted and stressful. However, with some thoughtful adjustment, you can find a good balance between safety and freedom. Here are some tips for staying reasonably safe without having to follow every little rule.
Focus on the Biggest Risks
Prioritize following rules and practices that mitigate the largest risks. For example, rules about not drinking and driving or wearing a seatbelt in a car are centered on very high-risk behaviors, so following those makes a lot of sense for staying safe. On the other hand, rules about always holding the handrail or never going out after dark are focused on relatively small risks. You can probably relax those rules somewhat without severely compromising your safety.
Think through what risks you actually face day-to-day and aim to follow the rules that offer the biggest risk reduction. Focusing on the biggest risks lets you maximize safety while minimizing restrictive rules.
Make Informed Choices
Blindly following every rule prevents you from making informed choices. Instead, educate yourself on the real risks of different activities so you can make smart decisions.
For example, the rules say you shouldn't ever walk alone at night. However, by learning about ways to stay alert and avoid dangerous situations, you may decide the actual risk is acceptable some of the time, such as when walking home on a familiar route. Making informed choices allows you to evaluate risks and decide which rules are necessary.
Trust Your Instincts
Our instincts evolved to help keep us safe. If a rule goes against your gut feeling, consider whether it's necessary.
For instance, your friend may have a rule to never talk to strangers. But if you're at a party and feel comfortable chatting with someone new, it's probably fine to trust your instinct and connect. Listening to your instincts helps you know when a rule may be overkill for the situation.
Start Slowly
If you've lived very restrictively, becoming less rule-bound takes adjustment. Ease into it with small steps outside your comfort zone.
Maybe you start by walking after sunset just down to the corner and back. Or you ignore the "don't swim after eating" rule for just 15 minutes at first. Build up slowly from there. Taking gradual steps helps you gain confidence at your own pace.
Listen to Guidance, Not Demands
Be wary of demands about following rules from anyone acting controlling or jumpng to extreme fears. But also listen to caring guidance from people who thoughtfully want you to avoid harm.
For example, a demand like "you MUST carry this tracker with you" probably goes too far. But a suggestion to check in regularly when exploring a new place considers your safety without rigid restriction. Look for guidance rooted in care, not control.
The bottom line is staying safe doesn't require rigidly following every rule you've ever been given. With focus, information, instinct, gradual steps, and guidance from those who care about you, you can find a reasonable balance. Give yourself permission to make choices, as long as you also commit to taking precautions where it really counts. You may find greater peace of mind when you're not overwhelmed trying to follow all the little rules.