Become Invisible: Your Guide to the Gray Man Lifestyle

The Gray (Wo)Man: Blending In To Be Unseen

The world is a noisy place. We’re bombarded with information, advertisements, and the constant pressure to stand out. But what if you wanted to do the opposite? To exist on the periphery, unnoticed and unobserved? That’s the philosophy of the “Gray Man.”

I’ll repeat something that I’ve written and spoken of previously. I wrote, “A Gray Man or Gray Woman means blending into your surroundings and not calling attention to yourself. If you are known for your wild-colored hair, fancy fingernails, and colorful clothing, a SHTF scenario will not be a fun time.” 

But the Gray Man isn’t about living a life of misery or deprivation. It’s about taking control of your own security and privacy. It’s about being prepared for the unexpected without drawing unnecessary attention to yourself.

There are four critical aspects to Going Gray, of which I discussed three in an earlier blog and podcast. So, if you’ve been using some of those tips, you’re already ahead of the game!

• Situational Awareness: The Gray WoMan is constantly aware of her surroundings. As written here, heighten your senses and pick up on potential threats.
• Unassuming Appearance: Sticking out like a sore thumb in an SHTF situation is the opposite of being Gray. Dress and behave in a way that avoids unwanted attention, as written here. 
• Living Below the Radar: Your daily habits can speak volumes. Switch up your daily routines where possible so it would be difficult for a stranger (or predator) to keep track of you as written here. 
• Digital Footprint: In today’s digital age, our online presence can be a treasure trove of personal information. Be careful of what personal information you provide and pictures you share. Turn off geolocation on your photos. Remove yourself from data brokers like PeopleFinder or have a service do it for you.

As you can see, some aspects of Going Gray aren’t just about staying safer during an SHTF situation. It can serve you well right now. Keeping your information and routines away from prying eyes, knowing what’s going on around you, and knowing when to “dress down” gives you some control over your security and privacy. By following the Gray Man principles, you can take steps to live a safer, more secure life on your own terms.