The Look

I was at Home Depot the other day buying wood for Primary, (a children's organization at our church). As I wheeled my pallet-like cart full of 1X4s to the checkout, I got THE LOOK. I've had this "look" many times in my life, it's often accompanied by a smirk. I don't even know how to describe "the look," but if you've gotten it before you know what I'm talking about. I hate it.

Yes, I know how to choose and buy wood. And yes, I'm going to put that wood in my car all by myself, even though I'm a girl. Of course I'd like help, because that's what men do (and if they don't, they should), but please don't treat me like I'm not capable.

No, I'm not a feminist, and yes, Chris is the one who cut the wood--I really don't like to use saws of any kind (I have a fear of them ever since health class in 8th grade when we watched a first aid video, imagine a chainsaw and blood everywhere, that's all you need to know).

I got this "look" in Utah at Lowe's while buying a trough and mud to help patch my sister's wall. I even had someone point out that one side of the trough has a sharp edge and I should be careful not to cut myself on it. My thought was "really? I've never used one of these before (sarcasm) I've only mudded and sanded an entire basement." But of course I only smiled sweetly and said thanks for pointing that out.

I said the same thing with the same sweet smile while being instructed on how to grout tile by our builder's handyman even though I'd already made it clear that I knew how to tile. (At our other house I helped lay granite and ceramic tile in the kitchen.)

Don't get me wrong, I don't want to spend my days doing construction work. I don't want to be a man, I'm not saying that I have the same abilities/capabilities as a man, I certainly know my limitations and I don't mind that I have those limitations. There's a lot I don't know about, don't want to know about, and don't have a desire to do, I'm certainly grateful that I have a husband who can.

I'm a girly girl who loves all things girl (think lace and embroidery and bows and dresses and all of those things). I definately like being "taken care of," I like to be treated like a woman, I like my door opened, to be led through a crowd, for my main man to take charge of situations.

But I've also learned that sometimes you just have to do what you have to do. And don't tell me I can't do something because I'm a girl, that's a sure fire way to get me to do it.

All I ask is that you assume I'm capable until you find out otherwise.