[Mickey Rat]

First, I think that we need to ad another choice: Was armed and that knowledge got me thru a bad situation.

Having a legally carried firearm makes a difference in how you handle a situation.

If you are verbally threatened by and individual that is bigger/stronger than you (I was), having the firearm gives you a confidence in the outcome of the event. You KNOW that if it comes down to it, you will be walking away from the confrontation and the other guy will be carried. This confidence allows you to remain calm enough inside (not having to worry about personal survival) to humble yourself or whatever is required to ease out of the situation. This is not cowardace, this is common sense. There is no need to shoot someone for scaring you half to death. A woman will certainly benefit from this added confidence. An attacker often is put off by a victim that doesn't respond to a threat with fear.

Always remember "Nobody rapes a 38".