I think thats because for the most part my views represent a decision made after weighing the risks against the joy of living how I want to live, not because I'm deluded about the lack of risk.

Exactly. Of course, that's one of the things we have very much in common.

And it drives me absolutely batshit insane when people blow off my values as naivete, because I really don't think it could be further from the truth.

I absolutely refuse to spend my life being afraid of men with weapons.

Amen to that.