Since checking your refliection wouldn't cost you any money, I'd say it is OK. It is only "scared" and "paranoid" if you check the reflection so much that your trips to the store are taking longer (time is money).
That said, I don't check reflections inside the convenience store. The probability of being attacked by someone who has been in the store for awhile is very low. Check out the Youtube videos. All attacks happen from people who've JUST walked in the store. Just pay attention to people who've JUST walked in the store.
If you're going to get attacked, it is going to be in the parking lot or by the pumps. So, yes, I do check the reflections in the parking lot and by the pumps.
Lynyrd wrote:I couldn't find another topic on this, other than a passing word or two in response to other threads. So, I would like to ask the forum members a question. First, let me offer some background.
I was having a conversation the other day with someone who is interested in getting their LTC. I answered their questions as best I could, and noticed that another person nearby was listening intently also. After a while the conversation turned from the process of getting the license to practical matters of every day carry, like holster types, position, situational awareness, etc. During the conversation, I mentioned that I am in the habit of checking reflections in the glass doors on the coolers inside of a convenience store, windows of vehicles at the gas pump, and so on.
The person nearby then put in their two cents worth and said, "I would hate to go through life being so scared that I looked for reflections in the glass to see who was behind me."
I tried to explain to them that I wasn't "scared" at all. I was just being aware of my surroundings, but they didn't buy it and walked off. The guy interested in getting his LTC gave them a scornful look as they walked away, and picked the conversation right back up.
So here is my question to the group. Am I at least a little bit over the top by checking the reflection in the glass every time I walk up to the drink coolers in a store? Or, am I just carrying responsibly?
And a foot note. The young man I was talking to has now taken his course, and submitted his documents. He has now been waiting a few weeks to get his license. Interestingly, the LTC course was given at his church.