Suddenly, without warning, PeterD exclaimed (2/17/2010 8:16 AM):
Those who choose to run away, live to ... run away another day! :-D
I'm a lady (for widely varying definitions of "lady"). Situations where it's "apologize or fight" never entered into my thinking. Considering the kind of attack I am protecting against, an attacker would probably be close enough it'd be hard *not* to hit him. And, I'd aim low - I'm evil that way. >:]
Seriously, the only place I'd ever not try flight first is if I'm trapped in our bedroom. That's where I keep the S&W and sufficient ammo. And a decent view of the top of the stairs from behind the bed :)
jmc