[redwitch]

Much better thesis! However, it still doesn't prove that women are directionally challenged just that females prefer to give directions via landmarks rather than cardinal points. This simply could be due to better manners -- it is easier to find things through visual sightings (the Shell station on the right, restaurant on the left, etc.) than some inate inability to tell north from south.

That being said, I am willing to accept that MAYBE women don't know cardinal directions as well as men. There is no question that spatial distances are not our forte. I know I hate when my GPS tells me to turn left in a quarter mile -- I'm always wondering when a quarter mile is up. (Fortunately, it also tells me when I hit the 300, 100 and 60 yard mark and then is kind enough to tell me to take the next left/right.)

From discussions I've had with my female friends, if push comes to shove, most can tell the cardinal directions. They just prefer to not do so. I truly can't, even if my life depended on it. North is towards the Arctic Circle and a compass always points north. California is west. I'm living in Central Florida which is on the American East Coast. South of here is Miami and the Florida Keys. Now, put me on the road and ask me what direction I'm going and I'll go towards Ocala. If you ask me the cardinal direction, I'll squirm, think hard and finally go I don't know.

So, I stand that you two made some highly inflammatory, chauvinistic comments. I'll also grant you that you based these comments on the fact that women are gracious enough to not use directions when there is a landmark available.

(Do you get the feeling I like to argue trivial details?)