The Restaurant Dilemma: Where To Sit

Restaraunt Seating Free Photo from freerangestock.comPhoto byFreerangestock.com

Palm Beach County, Fl - When dining out with a loved one, many individuals face what can be termed the "Back Against The Wall Dilemma." This isn't a unique concern but rather a common precaution for those aware of its significance.

More Than Just a Wall

Positioning your back against a wall in a restaurant or any seated venue is more than a preference; it's about safety. This strategic seating choice prevents people from sneaking up behind you, allowing you to protect yourself and your guest. As a former cop who has endured multiple shootings and attacks, I've seen firsthand how predators can exploit inattentive individuals. This experience has honed my vigilance.

Visibility and Awareness

Another critical aspect is maintaining visibility of everyone approaching your direction. Identifying potential threats early is crucial. Moreover, having a clear view of the establishment’s entrances and exits is vital for quick exits and readiness to act in life-threatening situations. It might seem extreme, but many armed robberies start with criminals boldly announcing their intentions, often leading to tragic consequences. Their common excuse? "I didn't mean to shoot them; it was an accident."

Lessons from Law Enforcement

In the police academy, several key principles were ingrained in us:

Never give up the fight.

You're always on duty, even off-duty.

Maintain a safe distance from unknown individuals (6-21 feet rule).

Keep your strong hand (gun hand) free.

Ultimately, I refuse to entrust my life to a criminal’s decisions.

This dilemma often concerns:

Law enforcement officers (active or retired)

Firefighters

Military veterans

Trauma survivors, often crime-related but not exclusively

Solving the Dilemma

Here are steps that have helped me manage the Back Against The Wall Dilemma:

Open Communication: Talk honestly with your spouse or close ones. Explain how this affects you physically and mentally. Remember, finding solutions is your responsibility, not theirs.

Pre-Planning: Develop a game plan before entering these situations. My wife asks if a seating location is suitable in a light-hearted manner, easing the tension.

Trust Your Partner: My wife has my back, watching for potential threats and alerting me if needed.

Mindfulness: Focus on a spot and remind yourself of where you are. The threats were in the past, not today.

Conclusion

While I still prefer to sit with my back to the wall and a clear view of foot traffic, especially entrances and exits, I’m much more relaxed about it now.

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Attributions

Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show

Baltimore Police Department