Talkin' Shit About A Pretty Sunset

I've hated this since I was a kid. This annoyance goes back to one of my core annoyances -- irrational fear derived from a poor understanding of risk.

Ok, I know what you're thinking: people who tell me "be careful" before a trip are just being nice, and they care about me. I will grant you that, sure.

But really, people. The true risks one encounters, whether abroad, in suburban suburbanyland, or in the big city of the USA, are considered and dealt with by any half-intelligent human in about the same way.

Is there ever a time when a thoughtful farewell of "be careful" actually resulted in that person who received that farewell having taken actions that he or should would not have normally taken?, ie, the "be careful" comment having helped? And even if a major fluke of an accident did take place -- like a car accident or slipping in the shower and breaking your skull -- could the most careful person have avoided it with even the most obsessive precautions taken?

Answer: no.

We live in a pretty safe world. The odds are in your favor to do whatever you want in over 190 countries and not come away harmed. "Be careful". What a shallow thing to say, based in fear.