In grad school I worked as a graduate assistant. Next to the office where I worked was the Center for Women's Studies. One day the director came and asked me if I could come to their office and move a file cabinet across the room. She said the file cabinet was too heavy for her or her staff (all women) to move. I suggested that if she removed the contents of the file cabinet it would be easy for even the smallest female on her staff to move the file cabinet across the room. Dr. ___________, the center director huffed out of the room.

The following week, Dr. __________ came in and asked me to join her for a cup of coffee. I remember walking to the coffee shop with her while we made small talk wondering what she wanted to talk about. I knew it was related to her request the previous week. After we sat for a minute she said, "I want to thank you for not asking me to make you a sandwich."

I had no idea what the hell she was talking about but it sounded like I was being led to slaughter so I just said, "That is something that has never even crossed my mind. I don't pretend to know what you are saying."

She said she knew I was not married and if I had asked her to make a sandwich for my lunch one day she'd have told me that I was perfectly capable of doing it myself and, she said, she would have called me sexist and lectured me on my cheeky and boorish behavior.

"When I asked you to move the file cabinet, I was being sexist. You were perfectly correct in your response. We removed the contents and easily moved the file cabinet, while we turned the air blue discussing what you had said. Later, I realized wrong and that you had taught me a lesson concerning sexism."

Truth be told I still hold doors open for women, I stand up when they come in my office, when they come to the table at a restaurant. I walk on the street side of the sidewalk when I am with a woman. I'm comfortable doing those kinds of things. I wouldn't hesitate to move a file cabinet or carry heavy boxes for women. Some would consider that sexist, some have. Most women appreciate it.

I'm a fool for feminine ladies with brains.

____________________



You, you and you, panic. The rest of you follow me.