The first time I carried concealed after I got my permit, I spent a great deal of mental energy assessing my surroundings for threats. I checked my clothes for imprinting, looked in every mirror or shop window I passed, and displayed the absurdly upright posture of a person who is trying to act casual. Oddly, no one noticed. No sirens went off, the stores had no metal detectors, and no security guards ushered me out. Gradually I have come to realize that most people will never suspect I am armed, and it’s my job to keep it that way.