When I was 16 I started martial arts classes. A couple years later, I understood the components of physical strength in humans and lost all fear.

Given the places I've travelled and worked since then, I am certain my body language conveys a confidence that kept me safe.

That said, as I aged, I had to change my gait and every once in a while, I've noticed someone in public sizing me up. I turn and walk the opposite direction, or into a store, but I never saw anyone do that before I got this older gait.

On the other hand, I took a truckload of stuff to the dump yesterday, and the workers took one look at me and said, hey, we'll unload that for you. Of course, I was grateful, but I kind of wondered, who they thought loaded my truck. I guess my old gait has some advantages, around good men.