It is a well known fact that in most cultures, women live longer than men. In the United States, for instance, women now live an average of 80.1 years, compared to 74.8 years for men. Hence, from a longevity standpoint, women score a point.

It is believed that women can live longer than men without food because women have more body fat and less muscle mass than men. Since fatty tissue needs far fewer calories than muscle, women have the double advantage during starvation of having less muscle (thus burning fewer calories) and more fat (thus having a greater amount of stored calories).

Moreover, due to having less body mass than men, women use fewer natural resources (i.e. air, water, food, fuel, etc.) so women are naturally "greener" than men.

In addition, women generally seem to have higher social and than men, are less violent and aggressive, on average, and are far safer drivers (sorry guys, but it's true). In fact, a recent New York Times piece noted that men are found to drive faster overall, ignore traffic laws more often, take more (and greater) risks, and are involved in the majority of fatal crashes around the globe.

Moving on to : Consider that women can be multi-orgasmic! Score another major point for the ladies.

One area where men have a clear biological advantage over women is their physical strength (and, possibly, their reaction time). But unless we're considering sports or performance, even this physical advantage is becoming less and less important due to technological advancements that are leveling the physical playing field. Still, in all fairness, let's give the guys a point.

All told, in a true battle of the sexes, the smart move would be to bet on the women.

Remember: Think well, act well, feel well, be well!

Copyright by Clifford N. Lazarus, Ph.D.