"A big problem is that there appears to be little discussion between the sexes on this subject."

It's hard at times for men to bring this up and easy to say the wrong thing. Not because there's the risk of being jumped on for so doing, but because a lot of otherwise caring men haven't articulated their ideas clearly in their own minds. A classic example of saying the wrong thing is advising women and girls to "be careful" whenever they go out.

On a slightly lighter note, but possibly illustrative, whenever I have to drive anywhere on my own for more than a few miles, Mrs Steve bids me drive carefully. I always say nah, I'm going to drive like a bloody maniac, jump every traffic light and belt along at 100 mph on the wrong side of the road...