One of my questions was offensive?

Ilhan, As a woman I think your younger female family member's reaction is unfair. In the future, she may become more tempered with these topics as she learns more about the world around her. At least, I hope so! I will share a story with you though, because I don't think you're wrong. Recently, I hired a handyman come to put together a desk for me. He was polite enough, and nothing awkward or threatening happened, but he was a bit seedy looking. Just out of jail, perhaps involved in dangerous activities sort of look. I had no shame whatsoever, as a woman who lives by herself, in casually making up a story about my "fiance" (I don't have one) being out of town for work and not being able to build the desk himself. Because I care about my safety, and if there is anything I can do to protect myself or lessen the chances of getting hurt, I am going to do those things. Most men are stronger than me. Period. It should be okay to talk about and admit it. :shrug:

She should be ashamed of herself for trying to control your speech like that.

Alexander Grace

I tried to make some generalizations about the differences between men and women with a younger female family member (e.g. that women have to be more protective of themselves physically and men don’t worry as much about it) because she had locked her car door while sitting in the car. She nearly bit my head off for attempting to generalize about intersex differences. I felt so violated for that. It seemed totally unfair. Suffice it to say, I avoid these topics around her now.

I suspect that this young lady was not offended by the question, but rather, didn't like the answer because it highlighted the insecurity many women feel. Instead of confronting the feelings it brought up, she attacked the question.