In the United States, I'm a completely average guy. I am one centimeter taller than average, and a couple of kilograms lighter. Everything is made for people like me.

I've never been unaware of this, but now I know what it's like to be "the big guy", thanks to your article.

And a note to people - if you want to know if someone's going to attack you, look at their body language, and look at their face! Humans are very transparent.

Funny story - about thirty years ago I was going down into the Canal Street subway station in New York City, and a man was coming up the stairs - and he radiated nervousness, and awareness of my presence, so I had my eye on him. Partway up the stairs, he suddenly started moving diagonally toward me - so I hoisted up my umbrella like a sword between us and he veered diagonally away from me! I felt a real sense of achievement and almost wished him a good day.