A recent TikTok video has sparked a widespread conversation about personal safety for women living alone, especially when it comes to what to do when returning home at night. The TikToker, Mary Alice (@heyitsmaryalice), shared a simple yet vital tip that has gained significant attention, racking up over 10 million views. Her advice? Don’t turn your lights on immediately when you come home. Let’s dive into why this tip is resonating with millions of people and how it can help improve personal security for those living alone.
Why Turning Lights Off Could Save You
When most people come home after dark, their first instinct is to turn on the lights to make their surroundings visible and feel more comfortable. However, according to Mary Alice, this seemingly harmless action could put you at risk, especially if someone has been following you.
“When you go home at night, don’t turn your lights on immediately when you get inside your apartment, especially if people can see the windows of your apartment from the street,” Mary Alice advised her followers in her viral TikTok video. Her reasoning? Turning on the lights immediately after entering your apartment can reveal your exact location to anyone watching from the outside.
In today’s world, where personal security can sometimes be compromised, her simple tip could prevent unwanted attention and help women protect their privacy. By keeping the lights off, you’re less likely to give away which apartment you live in, making it harder for potential stalkers to track you.
A Frightening Real-Life Incident
To emphasize the importance of her advice, Mary Alice shared a chilling experience she had that very night. As she was heading home, she noticed a strange man trying to make conversation with her about a broken headlight. “I’d never seen him before… and he just gave me bad vibes,” she explained.
@heyitsmaryalice im so tired of feeling like prey !! my lights are only on in my bathroom now becauase its the only room i have with no windows #creepy #creepystory #womensafety #womensafetytips #storytime #scarystory #stalker #menarescary #apartmentsafety ♬ original sound – MaryAlice
After some brief, uncomfortable interaction, she made her way inside her apartment. Trusting her gut, she resisted the urge to turn on her lights, sensing something wasn’t quite right. Her instincts proved correct when she checked her Ring camera and saw the same man standing outside her apartment building, staring directly at it.
“He did not leave for like five minutes,” Mary Alice recalled, describing how the man hid behind a car at one point, clearly trying to figure out exactly where she lived. Thanks to her decision not to turn on the lights, he left without knowing her apartment’s exact location.
The Importance of Trusting Your Gut
Mary Alice’s story resonated deeply with her audience, with many viewers commenting on the importance of trusting your instincts. One user commented, “Always trust your gut, I swear it’s always right,” while another shared their fear of living alone, saying, “I’m so scared to live alone.”
Mary Alice’s decision not to turn on the lights wasn’t just luck; it was a deliberate choice influenced by her intuition. In her video, she emphasized how crucial it is to listen to that inner voice when something feels off. Your gut instinct is often a powerful tool in personal safety, and ignoring it can lead to dangerous situations.
Safety Tips for Women Living Alone
Mary Alice’s advice on not turning on the lights immediately is just one of many safety precautions women living alone can take. The comments section of her viral video became a place for others to share their own tips and strategies for staying safe when living alone.
- Use Timers for Lights and Radios: One user suggested using timers for lamps and radios to create the illusion that you’re not living alone or not always coming and going at the same time. This can deter potential stalkers from pinpointing your routine.
- Smart Home Devices: Another viewer recommended turning on lights remotely using smart home devices like Alexa, which allows you to control lights before you even step foot inside your home. This helps you avoid giving away your exact location in real-time.
- Check Surveillance Cameras Regularly: Whether it’s a Ring camera or another type of home surveillance system, keeping an eye on who might be lurking near your home can give you an added layer of security. Regularly checking the footage ensures you’re aware of any suspicious activity around your residence.
- Keep Valuables Hidden: Beyond just turning off the lights, consider where you place your valuables within your home. Windows that are easily visible from the street can offer insight into what’s inside your apartment. Keeping blinds closed and valuables out of sight can prevent potential burglars or stalkers from identifying you as a target.
Dealing with Backlash and Fear
Unfortunately, Mary Alice’s career as a social media influencer comes with a certain level of public exposure, and this isn’t the first time she’s had to deal with frightening encounters. In a follow-up video, she confirmed that she had notified both her family and her landlord about the situation. It was later revealed that the man who followed her lived in the same building, though he’s now in the process of moving out.
Her video has drawn thousands of supportive comments, but it’s also sparked fear among women who live alone. One TikToker said, “Great advice but I’m scared of the dark,” to which Mary Alice and others have offered additional tips like using remote controls for lights or having automatic timers.
It’s an unfortunate reality that many women feel uneasy about living alone, but stories like Mary Alice’s remind us of the importance of taking simple precautions to stay safe.
Practical Steps You Can Take
@heyitsmaryalice Replying to @dennise.pr scary vibes but im okay 🥲 so far ! #womenssafety #safety #storytime #stalker #stalkerstory #scarystory #creepytok #creepystories #allmen #menarescary ♬ original sound – MaryAlice
If you live alone, it’s essential to adopt habits that prioritize your safety. In addition to Mary Alice’s advice on keeping the lights off when first coming home, here are a few more steps you can implement:
- Change your routine: Avoid falling into predictable patterns. If possible, come home at different times and vary your schedule to make it harder for anyone to track your movements.
- Invest in home security: From smart locks to surveillance cameras, modern technology can offer peace of mind and an extra layer of protection.
- Stay connected: Share your whereabouts with a close friend or family member, especially when coming home late. Having someone know your schedule can act as an added safety net.
Conclusion: Prioritize Safety and Trust Your Instincts
Mary Alice’s TikTok may have started as a simple piece of advice, but it has since grown into an important reminder for women everywhere. Living alone can be empowering, but it also comes with unique challenges. By taking small, thoughtful steps—like not turning on your lights immediately—you can better protect yourself and your space.
Ultimately, trusting your instincts and staying aware of your surroundings are key to personal safety. Let Mary Alice’s experience be a lesson in vigilance, and remember to always prioritize your well-being when navigating life alone.
