Have you ever thought about what flipping on a light switch might reveal? For Mary Alice, a TikToker with a knack for practical advice, this seemingly innocent action holds a hidden danger for women living alone. Her viral safety tip, shared with her followers, has resonated with millions—and for a good reason.
Most of us instinctively turn on the lights as soon as we step into our homes, especially when it’s dark. But Mary Alice suggests holding off, and her reasoning is both simple and chilling.
@heyitsmaryalice Replying to @dennise.pr scary vibes but im okay 🥲 so far ! #womenssafety #safety #storytime #stalker #stalkerstory #scarystory #creepytok #creepystories #allmen #menarescary ♬ original sound – MaryAlice
“When you come home at night, don’t immediately turn your lights on, especially if your windows are visible from the street,” she advises in her now-viral TikTok video. “If someone is following you, they’ll instantly know which apartment is yours.”
She didn’t come to this realization lightly. Mary Alice recounted a frightening encounter that changed how she thinks about personal safety.
“One night, I was walking to my apartment when a strange man approached me about a broken headlight on my car,” she began. “I’d never seen him before, and something about him just felt… off.”
Trying to brush him off, she quickly headed inside her apartment. But instead of turning on the lights, her instincts told her to check her Ring camera. What she saw left her shaken.
“He was standing in the street, right near my building, just staring,” she said, pausing for emphasis. “At one point, he even hid behind a car, watching. He knows my car, my building—thankfully, not my apartment.”
Her quick thinking and decision to keep her lights off likely kept her safe.
Mary Alice’s story struck a chord with millions, amassing over 10 million views and sparking a flood of comments. Women from all walks of life chimed in, sharing their own fears and safety tips.
“Great advice, but I’m terrified of the dark,” wrote one user, while another praised her as “so smart” for sharing such a crucial tip. Many highlighted the importance of trusting your gut.
“Always trust your instincts. They’re rarely wrong,” one commenter added.
Others suggested practical solutions, like using smart home devices to control lights before arriving or setting timers to create the illusion of company.
In a follow-up video, Mary Alice assured her followers that she took further precautions, informing her landlord and family. She later discovered the man lived in her building but would soon be moving out.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder to always stay vigilant. Whether you’re living alone or not, small habits can make a big difference. And as Mary Alice’s experience proves, sometimes, trusting your gut is the best safety measure of all.
So, what do you think? Will you change your nighttime habits? Share this advice with a friend—it might just help keep them safe, too.
