Over the past year I have become obsessed with true crime podcasts. It all started with listening to the very creepy and less violent “Lore” and has spiraled into a love of “Casefile: True Crime,” “Last Podcast on the Left,” and “Hollywood and Crime.” My favorite podcast of them all has to be a comedy true crime crossover titled “My Favorite Murder.”
Hosted by two hilarious women, the podcast covers true crime with little research and a whole lot of enthusiasm. And while these podcasts have certainly instilled within me a very morbid sense of humor, they have also taught me a lot about how to take care of myself in today’s world.
A few weeks ago, the duo covered a 2014 murder that hits close to home for a lot of young, single internet users. A couple had met on Tinder and met up for what was supposed to be a night of fun, which resulted in the death of the young woman. The details of the case aren’t important for us (though if you’re interested all you have to do is google “Tinder murders”). What is vital to remember, whether you’re a fan of true crime or not, is that instances like these remind us that it is incredibly important to stay safe in this modern, extremely interconnected world.
Just because someone is willing to show their face to thousands of singles in their area, it doesn’t mean that they’re incapable of violence. In the words of the women of “My Favorite Murder,” Karen and Georgia, cases like these remind us to “stay sexy and don’t get murdered.”
But here’s the deal: if someone makes you uncomfortable, you’re more than welcome to be rude. Don’t ignore the warning signs your mind and body offer you.
I know all of that sounds a little paranoid and horribly macabre, but hear me out. Being on a college campus, we all interact with people we don’t necessarily know, but for one reason or another, we extend some level of trust. There’s that cute gal you gave your number to at a party last weekend or that guy who sits next to you in your philosophy class. No, I’m not saying that these people are definitely out to kill you. Most likely that guy who sits next to you in psych enjoys Super Smash Bros, the Colts and not killing people. But if that girl you’ve been texting lately is giving you a weird vibe, follow your instincts.
This doesn’t just apply to yourself, but it also applies to your friends. Again, it might just be the paranoia spurred on by my newfound interest, but my maternal nature kicks into hyperdrive when I’m out on the town with my friends. If a guy chatting up your bestie is giving you the creeps or your pal is looking a little too tipsy, don’t be afraid to stand guard or intervene. One time, my favorite podcast host, Georgia, recounted a wild night out. She was at a bar with her friends when a rando attempted to talk her up and take her home. She tried to turn him down, but he grabbed her and pulled her toward the exit. Luckily for her, a friend was standing by to intervene and get the creepo kicked out. Never be afraid to be that friend. Check in with your pals during a night out. They might be drunkenly annoyed in the moment, but better safe than dead, right?
As humans, we’ve conditioned ourselves to be as polite as possible. We say “thank you” and “you’re welcome” as much as possible and usually stay in awkward conversations for far too long for fear of being rude. But here’s the deal: if someone makes you uncomfortable, you’re more than welcome to be rude. Don’t ignore the warning signs your mind and body offer you. Remove yourself from that creepy conversation and say “no” whenever you really don’t want to do something. This applies to the classroom, the bedroom — literally anywhere.
In the words of the women of “My Favorite Murder,” Karen and Georgia, cases like these remind us to “stay sexy and don’t get murdered.”
When it comes to dating apps like Tinder, it’s important to prioritize your safety. Again, it’s easy to give people, especially those worth talking to on dating apps, the benefit of the doubt. And while I 100 percent support you going on that coffee date, I also think there’s nothing wrong with sharing the details of your date with a few pals. My roommates and I follow each other on the iPhone app Find My Friends, so if we haven’t heard from each other in a while, we can see what we’re all up to. Add a few pals on the app before your candlelit dinner with your newest Tinder crush.
Okay, this Behind Closed Doors article might have just been a way for me to fangirl over two women who record themselves talking about murder, but hopefully you understand where I’m coming from. It’s incredibly important to trust your instincts and be aware of your surroundings. And, in the words of Karen and Georgia, stay sexy and don’t get murdered guys.
Mallory Walker is a Behind Closed Doors columnist who wants to remind readers that safety can be sexy too.