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Are Women Naturally Risk-Averse?
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Ellabella
06/08/09

In reply to Are Women Naturally Risk-Averse?
When I compete in the cross country phase of an event, I want to throw up the whole time. Even though I'm just a low-level eventer, I find the cross country quite scary (probably because of the deaths and injuries). But it's also very fun. Anyway, I try to be focused, but I'm always, like, "For the love of god, do not vomit!!" I just figured it was because my cardio fitness isn't good enough, but my cardio fitness is actually pretty good, so this explains a lot.
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happymisanthrope
06/08/09

@Ellabella: You know, I was just going to say that's funny because riding horses is a really risky activity, and lots of girls do that.
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Liz11685
06/08/09

In reply to Are Women Naturally Risk-Averse?
I'm risk averse activity wise, but in other aspects very willing to take risks (I moved 3000 miles away from home without knowing anyone where I was moving at 18, for instance). Perhaps women just don't take the same KINDS of risks as men?
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tscheese
06/08/09

In reply to Are Women Naturally Risk-Averse?
Well, I'm risk-averse because of a medical condition I have caused "The Deep-Seated Cowardice," but as far as I know, it can afflict both men and women.
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Majrhoulihan
06/08/09

In reply to Are Women Naturally Risk-Averse?
I am incredibly risk-averse--tall ladders make me nauseated. My partner however, is only happy on a steady diet of risk, including: jumping out of planes, flying jets, riding motorcycles, eating food that's been on the floor more than 5 seconds, fixing the roof shingles without a harness, commandeering boats in thunderstorms, petting strange dogs, using dirty bathrooms, and eating food from various roadside shacks.

This said, I think my fear of everything has kept him alive this long.
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andromache
06/08/09

In reply to Are Women Naturally Risk-Averse?
I am quite the wuss, but it has nothing to do with my vagina. I'm a control freak with anxiety issues, and that's why I don't really take risks. it's not because my uterus determines my personality.
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pinkyBella
06/08/09

@andromache: @MyrtleWilloughby: You can count me in. I have really bad anxiety, and when presented with risky situations, I'm as nervous as a wet cat.
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gherkinfiend
06/08/09

In reply to Are Women Naturally Risk-Averse?
I used to be fairly good at taking risks but then the consequences scared me out of it.

I gave horseriding because I kept breaking bones... rand now after being assaulted on several occasions leaving the house seems risky to be honest.

Maybe women feel the consequences of risk more?
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Majrhoulihan
06/08/09

In reply to Are Women Naturally Risk-Averse?
I am incredibly risk-averse. My partner on the other hand, thrives on a steady diet of danger, including, jumping out of planes, flying jets, riding motorcycles, fixing the roof shingles without any kind of harness, taking out a boat in a thunderstorm, eating food that's been on the floor longer than 5 seconds, using dirty bathrooms, rubbing dirt on wounds, and letting dogs lick his mouth.

However, I like to believe he is alive because of my fear of danger.
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Snowbunny
06/08/09

@Majrhoulihan: The other day I shared an ice cream cone with my dog (yes, it was that disgusting but no, I don't regret it) and the whole time my mother was nagging me about how I was going to die because of the dog's dirty mouth. I felt bad ass until I realized that sharing ice cream with a dog was the riskiest thing I had done in multiple months.
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DinaRonson : Elizabeth Cady Stanton
06/08/09

@Snowbunny: I've been told it's mouth is the cleanest place on a dog. Not sure I believe that as I've seen where some dogs put their mouth. Shudder.
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DinaRonson : Elizabeth Cady Stanton
06/08/09

In reply to Are Women Naturally Risk-Averse?
Denis Leary made this argument in his book, and at first I was offended. Then I thought about it, in my own circumstance, and I'd have to agree. I am certain I calculate my risks considerably more so than say my BF or brother.
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DinaRonson : Elizabeth Cady Stanton
06/08/09

@DinaRonson : Elizabeth Cady Stanton, I presume: Referring to PHYSICAL risks only here.
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andBegorrah
06/08/09

In reply to Are Women Naturally Risk-Averse?
Coming soon: Exxtrematorquade! The newest energy drink! With caffeine! Acetylcholine! Acai! And PCP!

Possible side effects include but are not limited to restless legs, bad-assery, overuse of the term "Bro," pronunciation of "Bro" as "Brah," hair loss, and an exploding heart.

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MissyMcCLung
06/08/09

In reply to Are Women Naturally Risk-Averse?
I think with any of these studies or theories, we need to remember that the variation within a group is much greater than the difference between them. So while women may be somewhat less risk adverse overall, many women will be more into risk taking than many men. None of this is black and white.
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Santos L Halper
06/08/09

In reply to Are Women Naturally Risk-Averse?
My idea of risky is putting walnuts in my pesto or wearing something other than earth tones. I'm really fun. So I guess I'm living up this stereotype to a tee.
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tomatoheart
06/08/09

@Santos L Halper: it's (pesto) really good with cashews too.
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Snowbunny
06/08/09

In reply to Are Women Naturally Risk-Averse?
I feel like a lot of pressure for preservation of the species falls onto women, so anthropologically speaking a woman would not want to take as many stupid risks that could endanger her life.
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DangerMouse
06/08/09

In reply to Are Women Naturally Risk-Averse?
Women also aren't nearly as rewarded for taking risks. To use the keg stand example, a guy might be "respected" for this... but it's unlikely that a woman would be. It's probably too "unladylike".

Then, men who take risks at work are freethinkers, bold, forging ahead, whatever. Women are called ambitious... ambitchious, if you will, or derided for it. I feel like this goes beyond extreme sports.
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Jello Mix
06/08/09

In reply to Are Women Naturally Risk-Averse?
My body must be a goddamn acetylcholine factory, because sometimes just posting on Jezebel makes me want to throw up.
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spicyplumchatni
06/08/09

In reply to Are Women Naturally Risk-Averse?
Is a person really risk-averse because they don't want to jump off planes and go bungee jumping? But what if they will go against society, start revolutions, participate in independence movements, defy very patriarchal strongholds etc. at the risk of losing their lives and everything they hold dear?

I see a lot of women doing the later all the time, so how are we defining risk?
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whynotshesaid
06/08/09

@spicyplumchatni: Excellent point. The definition of risk is really heavily weighted toward dangerous activities with no point in real life. I'd love to see a study that takes actual risks, like whistle-blowing, leaving a bad relationship, making huge life changes, etc., into consideration.
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