A little-acknowledged negative aspect of the practice of residential real estate is that agents are sometimes in a position in which their personal safety could be compromised. We welcome strangers into our cars; we meet strangers at empty homes, often in secluded locations; and our vulnerability isn’t always just connected to someone we don’t know.

I’ve been in some uncomfortable situations over my lifetime in real estate, and I didn’t react well – I froze. So when, a few years ago, Wendy Bryant of Falmouth’s 241 Fitness (and my own fitness instructor) offered R.A.D. Women’s Self Defense, I signed up. It’s been transformative. My awareness has sharpened, and I’ve developed skills I never had. I absolutely feel empowered, and I’m grateful to Wendy.

She offers the class twice a year. The next one is on Sunday, September 13 at 1pm at the Falmouth Sports Center on Highfield Drive. It’s four hours long and is only $25 (and you can refresh at no charge for the rest of your life). It could save a life – yours and mine. I urge you to sign up.