Order This Drink If You Swiped Right...Into Danger
“How would you like it?” He asks. You think a moment, “…on the rocks please.”
Most of us have been here—you matched with a gorgeous stranger on Tinder, and he wants to see you tonight.
Looking for love, you say yes.
He picked the place; the bar in the city—it’s upscale and expensive. Your best friend insists you share your location with her.
Source: Google/Tinder
You look for the guy you saw in the picture. You feel a tap on your shoulder behind you. Turning around to find the blue-eyed dark-haired stranger you expected. Unfortunately, you miss out on the opportunity to be on Catfish: The TV Show. You think to yourself, “Okay it’s him. He looks just like the picture.”
Source: Zoosk
About an hour goes by and he orders you your third glass of wine. Declining and saying you’ve had enough, he puts his hand on your knee and suggests that you should just relax and have some fun. You push his hand away as he tries to rise it from your knee to your thigh. He’s surprised that his looks aren’t cutting it this time.
The conversation goes back to normal; talking about his job, your job, how long you’ve lived here. You begin to forget about what happened 10 minutes ago. He’s charming, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t dangerous. He starts asking you personal questions, like your exact address, or even what time you go for a run during the week.
A few minutes later he suggests going back to his place or driving you home. Besides the fact that he had been drinking, this doesn’t seem right. You excuse yourself to use the bathroom, but how can you exit without him following you. Walking into the bathroom stall, you notice two flyers:
Source: BCC News /Emily Wooddell
This flyer protects women who feel in danger, and bars all over the world have them. By simply ordering an “Angel Shot” or “Asking For Angela,” you can let the bar know that you feel uncomfortable, or even in danger. Exiting the restroom, you head to the bar. The bartender welcomes you and asks what he can get you. You say, “Is Angela working tonight?”
He is confused and you ask again, “Angela. Is Angela working tonight?” You wish he would just understand the code you were relaying.
Source: Google Images
The gorgeous stranger makes his way to the bar to see what’s been taking you so long. You see him and he smiles. He puts his hand on your shoulders and runs his fingers across your back. You look the bartender straight in the eyes and say, “I want to order an Angel Shot.” The bartender realizes what is happening. He sees the concern in your eyes and asks, “How would you like it?” He asks. You think for a moment, “…on the rocks please.” And looks you in the eye and asks, “Are you sure you don’t want lime?”
You remember that lime is code for calling the police. You shake your head no and say, “No, just ice.”
The gorgeous stranger excuses himself to the bathroom after kissing you on the cheek, and says he will be right back. The bartender escorts you out the backdoor after your date leaves and calls you an Uber. You thank him as many times as you can while getting in the car and he gives you a genuine smile. Ordering a single shot possibly saved your life tonight.
Since 2017, started by The Lincolnshire Rape Crisis which is a support service for women and girls in East England, bars all over the world are now implementing the “Ask for Angela” or “Angel Shot” system. It is a code for women to ask for help without causing a scene. These phrases allow the staff to know you need to leave discreetly to ensure your safety. Ordering this drink known as an “Angel Shot” or simply “Asking for Angela” could save your life.
The thing is, there is no discreet code for everyday life. A bar isn’t the only place people need to take precautions. There are other ways you can protect yourself for situations such as walking alone at night, being in the office alone, or even driving alone at night. This is not to say that women are still seen as damsels in distress, but there is no harm in being prepared for any situation that might turn dangerous.
The products below are little safety devices that every person should have in their bag, or keychain, to protect themselves.
Safesound Personal Security Alarms
Anti-Wolf Defense Keychain
If you or someone you know is in need of help and didn’t know to “Ask for Angela” or order an “Angel Shot,” please contact the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, also known as RAINN.
If you are in a dangerous situation or see someone might be, ask if “Angela” is working or order them an “Angel Shot”, this could save your life and those around you.
RAINN Hotline: (800) 656-4673
Source: RAINN