Feminine charms

My first instinct when something goes wrong is to be defensive. To fight for my rights.

(Examples : (1) I’m sorry, there’s something wrong with the ATM machine – that’s not my problem, I want my money and I want it now! (2) You can’t park here – Why not? I don’t see a no parking sign! (3) We’re closed for today – if you’d told me that yesterday, I wouldn’t have wasted my time isn’t it!)

It works most of the time, but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth as well as the person at the receiving end. For me because I get all worked up and hot and bothered and then I need to cool down. For them because no one appreciates being scolded, especially if it’s not their fault.

Well, today I learned of another way of getting things done my way. I used my feminine charms! And the best part is, it worked! It happened quite by accident – I wasn’t feeling well today. So my guard was down and I was just too weak to argue or fight. So I guess I must have sounded like a damsel in distress. Problem solved!

I am one of those who strongly believe that people should not benefit, or be disadvantaged, by reason only of their gender. Hence, I refused to use my feminine charms to get things done or to get away with things. Sure, that meant that I had to fight for almost everything in my life, but it was worth it because in the end, people actually took me seriously. A person of substance, merit and worth.

Parallel to that, I never thought much of women who used their feminine charms to get things done, or to get away with things. Weaklings.

But just think – if I can get things done or get away with things without getting myself worked up and without getting the other person worked up, what’s the harm in that? Do I lose anything by being – well, by being a woman?

Absolutely not!

But I’m guessing it would take a while for the fighter in me to stand aside and let the woman in me emerge.