A colleague once said to me: "I think women (at work) come in two types. There are women like you - independent, strong-natured type...you know they aren't going to burst into tears because you tell them you don't like their work. Then there's this other type you have to be careful around because you never know how they'll react."
Later that week, I stayed back at work late and was travelling home after midnight with the same colleague. When my mother called to check where I was, he looked a trifle surprised and then remarked, "It's just that, with girls like you, one gets the sense that you can take care of yourself and don't need protection. Whereas with X, Y, Z...they're like little kids, you know?"
I didn't know whether to be flattered or annoyed. My independence doesn't make me immune to any of the dangers facing women. My family and friends care and worry about me just as much as they would if I were any other way. Harsh words bother me too, even if I don't burst into tears over them.
Why should I get any less chivalry, politeness or consideration just because I don't stage melodrama over it? I suppose that in a world of princessess, some of us are Xena. But everybody has feelings and no one is completely invincible, you know?
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