Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 1/3/2008

Question
A (male, possibly deluded) friend of mine is utterly convinced that he could
beat three averagely strong women in a fight.  A fight for survival, with no
rules, so aiming for the groin and other sensitive areas as well as gouging
eyes it totally fine.  

I am convinced that although he may be able to quickly knock out one
person, he couldn't possibly deal with all three at once, leaving himself open
to attack from the others.

As far as I am aware, he possesses no superpowers, though claims he can run
for five miles.

I think he has been watching too many movies and has an inflated sense of
his own strength and abilities, whilst he thinks I am clearly insane for
thinking I and two other women would possibly have a chance.

Please help us end this argument!

Answer
Dear Jo,

Sorry, but I can't really end this argument without knowing a LOT more about the physical capabilities of the combatants.  It's possible that a single male could take on three females and win, but it's also possible that certain females could take on three *males* and win.  It all depends on the strength and martial arts training of the fighters.

To tell you the truth, it sounds to me as if this guy is trying to goad you into letting him act out some sick, sexual fantasy.  I wouldn't let him tease you about this, and certainly don't take the bait.  He sounds like a real jerk to me, and you shouldn't even dignify his challenges by taking them seriously at all.

You might meet his next war trumpet with a quiet little, "Well, maybe you could.  But I think I could probably beat you on an IQ test with one cerebral hemisphere tied behind my back."

That might shut him up.  (Then again, sometimes nothing will silence a chimp like this.)

Good luck,

Dana