I came across this in a novel recently and it reminded me of what I’d written here 2 posts ago lol cos same??? I even thought the same thing: ‘Had he really just asked me that?’ See, it really isn’t the most appropriate question to be asking if you aren’t available to begin with 😂 I knew I wasn’t overthinking it…

Aka a series of funny convos with Farah. Maybe it’s because we are both women or we have known each other for 8 years. Lol but I love her expressions because she always gets it!!! If only you all could see her face every time I recount something.

Can’t remember everything word-for-word but you either get the gist of it or you don’t.

Me: I used hair oil and came to office, wanting to let it sit before I wash it out after gym. Then (male acquaintance) came by my desk and we were talking and I said I came to office for gym and he asked, ‘Oh you went already?’

Her: *bursts out laughing*

Explanation for those who don’t get it: Hair looking greasy AF cos I was not planning on any human interaction and not looking my best in front of a reasonably good-looking cis straight male is just 🫠🫠🫠

Me: I went on this hike and the group had so many boomers. Damn irritating how they like to talk down to you and mansplain just cos I’m a young woman.

Farah: It’s like we have a sign on our foreheads saying, ‘Please mansplain to me.’

Explanation for those who don’t get it: There is a difference between sharing knowledge or answering a question versus offering unsolicited ‘advice’ that we didn’t ask for in a condescending manner. I really don’t understand why some men have to be so irritating? I didn’t ask.

Me: One (retired old man) asked if I was a secretary. Nothing wrong with being a secretary but it’s the way he said it, you know?

Farah: It’s the assumption.

Me: Exactly! And the stereotyping.

Me: After I said I was a journalist, he asked, ‘So your seniors ask you write story then you go write?’

Explanation for those who don’t get it: Lmaoooo I’m the one assigning work and asking people to do stories so maybe keep your assumptions and stereotyping to yourself.

Me: He also told me to ‘travel more then you can write more’.

Farah: *exchanging a look*

Explanation for those who don’t get it: Not sure how you wanna define ‘more’ but I’ve been on 5 trips in 7 months and counting…

Me: Then he said he was going to Antarctica with a tour group and that it’s ‘VERY EXPENSIVE’  🙄

Farah: I’m sure you can go too if you want.

Me: Some more he’s retired and got his pension and whatever, wanna compare what?!

Me: They (men) also like to tell me that this hike is very hard, need how many hours… Or they will tell you this is nothing because they marched in army with their backpack…. blah blah.

Farah: 😑😑😑 Tell them you have been to Everest Base Camp.

Explanation for those who don’t get it: LOL ya that’s EXACTLY what I’m thinking whenever they wanna show off or whatever shit. And it actually happens quite often with different groups. Sometimes I will mention EBC if the topic comes up but other times I can’t be bothered to engage at all.

Part 2 to come because there is so much more but it’s 1.30am and bedtime!

Lol btw if you are wondering if there’s a follow-up to my previous post, there isn’t. I acted blur and didn’t follow back because I am capable of self-restraint despite temptation, plus nobody DM-ed anyone 🙂