As I opened the door of the hardware store, the distinct sound of the model train on the track above my head greeted me. “Good morning Cheryl”, a familiar voice chimed as I walked past the tills. “Good morning Francis” I acknowledged as I rounded the corner toward the plumbing section. I love the comfortable, welcomed feeling I got every time I came here. I headed down the plumbing aisle, feeling slightly overwhelmed at all of the parts before me. This is not what I needed to be doing this morning but plumbers are expensive and really how hard can it be?
Slowly and methodically I perused the multitude of products, searching for the one that needed to be replaced. Who knew there was so many different options for getting a toilet to flush. As I continued my search, I was grateful I had the foresight to remove the broken part and bring it with me, making it much easier to find what I needed. I found the part that matched what I had in my hand and began to turn to head toward the till when a deep, male voice commented, “Are you sure you have the right part? Here let me look at that for you?. Oh no see this isn’t what you need. Here I’ll help you.”
Slightly taken aback, I stood there frozen for a moment. Who is this guy and how on earth does he know what I need without even asking? And better yet why is he assuming that I’m not capable of figuring it out for myself? I mean really, its a simple home repair and I managed to diagnose the problem and remove the broken part all on my own. “No thank you. I found what I needed” I said as I snatched the package back. “The man chuckled, “Uh ok lady, I’m trying to save you an extra trip when your husband tells you you bought the wrong part but it’s your choice.” as he turned and began to walk away shaking his head.
Oh no he did not….
Fuming, I followed him around the corner “Actually FYI I am the one doing the repair and while you have made it very clear that in your mind a poor, helpless woman like me is somehow incapable of actually getting the right part let alone replace it, I have news for you. I am more than capable because lets face it, if a small-minded man like you can figure it out, then I will be just fine”. The man stood there looking like a deer in the headlights, his gaze only broken by the chuckle of the older gentleman standing beside him. “Well she put you in your place now didn’t she?” the other customer commented smiling at me. I smiled back before heading to the till, feeling proud not only for standing up for myself but for having the confidence in my own abilities. I mean really it’s replacing a toilet handle, it’s not rocket science.