How to find a balance...

[HolyQuadrityDrinkFeckArseGirls]

between being an independent person (as I have been all my life) and recognising that I might be vulnerable in some places? Basically, I'm going to drinks tomorrow in a somewhat dodgy part of London with awkward transport links (two buses and night bus back).

Due to babysitter only being able to come at let's say 6, I will be there early. My issue is I'm put out that a male (no other women going) mate of mine is not willing to meet me earlier and go there together. Same with going back. What i'm saying i'm feeling a discord between 'being an adult and making myself safe' and 'being pissed off they didn't think i might be uncomfortable in a dingy bar on my own for an hour plus the bus journey'. Am I being a pwincess and am letting the side down or can we recognise women are still more vulnerable among strangers.
Sorry, hope it makes sense

Just for the record I have been to the bats and restaurants early and on my own with no problem. Same cinemas, even completely on my own with no one joining me later.

You aren't being a Princess.

Can you avoid the situation by stopping somewhere you feel more comfortable along your journey?

Definitely not being a princess. It is a sad fact of life that women are vulnerable. Though I remember reading somewhere that the most likely people to be mugged/attacked are younger men?

Anyway, travelling in numbers is safer for everyone, really.

Most likely person to be mugged/attacked according to crime stats of 2011/2012 for England and Wales is male aged 16-24.

So where are the posters warning men not to be out alone, not to walk down that dark street, take a licensed cab instead of walking.Them been told well what did you expect being out alone at that hour. . . etc etc

The worst thing is, for me any way even though I know its unlikely to happen, I also know that if anything did happen it will be assumed that I will somehow also be at fault.

Source: www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/crime-stats/crime-statistics/focus-on-violent-crime/stb-focus-on--violent-crime-and-sexual-offences-2011-12.html

Sorry that didn't help at all did it. . . .

Its difficult isn't it

IMO it's not about statistics.

You will feel nervous, because we're constantly told we should be. Therefore, you will have a rotten evening.

It's not your mate's duty to solve this problem for you, though ... it'd be nice, but I can see why he might not be able to.

Why do you have to leave when the babysitter arrives? Why can't you wait until it's time to go and go then?

If you don't want to get the bus home on your own then can you afford a cab?

It's not reasonable to be annoyed with your friend it's not down to him to arrange himself around you.