Scott, . . . in trying to answer your comment: "I have heard, and agree, that one of the key elements in self defense is being “aware” of the world around you and your proximity to others. This however, is pretty vague once a situation begins to develop."
You are 100% correct. I use the "aware" part of it to define for me where I am, what I am doing, my posture, my position, . . . and some of it goes to habits I have developed.
1) I will not sit at a table in a restaurant that is out on the floor. A booth or a table along a wall, preferably with a view of both entrance & exit and the cash register (remember Wyatt Erp).
2) I park where I can see my vehicle and can walk up to it with plenty of light.
3) I don't wear a glove on my shooting hand, nor do I button my coat if I am carrying.
4) If I am with someone, I try to keep them on my left (I am right handed) or just in front of me, . . . that way if something happens, I don't spend precious time figuring out where everyone is.
5) I am generally "looking" or "threat scanning" no matter where I am, . . . mall, Wally World, church, wherever. It takes a bit of time to develop this habit to where it is second nature, . . . but it is worth it.
6) I know that if I see 2 or 3 or more "gang" types in a location, . . . I am not going there. Walk on the other side of the street, . . . etc.
7) I will not knowingly go into a store that has a "Brinks" typs truck parked out front.
There are many more little habits I have developed, . . . and sometimes I slip, but generally, the habits are designed to keep me advised of what is going on around me, who is around me, where are they, do they have threat potential, am I in a place where I have compromised my security, . . .
Most of this has been developed from former military training, some books I have read (an old black & white western or two) and other sources. But most important of all, . . . it keeps me alerted to my surroundings.
And yes, . . . the tactics are somewhat vague, . . . but if you do enough of them, enough of the time, they are all designed to keep you away from the place where you may become a statistic, . . . or have to use deadly force. A new one for me here in Ohio, . . . do not patronize places that post against CCW. Most dangerous place in town.
May God bless,
Dwight