Two cases, two different endings

[Starboard Tack]

14. Correct, I have not availed myself of a gun for most of my life.

And that has worked out just fine. After leaving a rural childhood environment to travel the world I had no use for a gun, barring the occasional hunting or sporting event. I lived in cities mostly and guns have no place in cities. For the past 20+ years I have lived on the ocean, another place where guns do not belong. That said, if I were to return to a rural environment, which is quite likely some day, I would very likely purchase a 12 gauge shotgun and possibly another hunting rifle. There would be no need for a handgun.

A credible threat, warranting my leaving home armed, would consist of a known prior or existing threat to my life or my family. Hate mail, anonymous threatening phone calls, that sort of thing. That would be my long term weather forecast.
Short term, would be exercising my awareness of my surroundings and acting accordingly. If I see a squall on the horizon, I have a choice, either try to outrun it, dodge it or seek safe harbor, if available; or use it to my advantage. My options are many and when abroad in the world, the thought of a gun doesn't enter the equation. I thank you for respecting my right not to carry a gun and I respect your right to carry one. My longevity and well traveled path have served to reassure me that my decision has been appropriate. Though I can think of instances along the way when, if I had been armed, I might have been tempted to take advantage and escalate a situation beyond my control. Fortunately, being unarmed, I was able to defuse many situations peacefully, with nobody getting hurt.

Can't help you with the last one. Sorry. Either you get it or you don't.