By Darlene Underdahl
I’ll start by saying men are boys and women are girls, except… when they have to conform to the expectations of others. Don’t make the electronic product pink, orange or purple. Those are lovely colors, but not in proximity to other people, especially men. If a woman seeks color, she will wear a smashing blouse. I once worked in an office with a bright yellow feature that was permanent; I couldn’t possibly remove it. I brought in matching yellow flower pots and a yellow desk blotter. All the men came to look at my decorating. I’m not sure it was a compliment (at least I didn’t incorporate a Sparkle Pony).
You see your daughters or granddaughters wanting everything in pink, with sequins, and the odd rhinestone thrown on top, but most women in business want the same sleek tools as men. If they have to carry it, they’d prefer it went into their purse, or at least had a handle/strap (please don’t expect them to wear it on a belt). When traveling, it should stack with their rolling luggage.
It’s common for boys to hunt bugs and arachnids. Girls like mammals and dolphins, in a word, sleek. A boy once tried to chase me with a mouse. He held it by the tail, his arm extended, he didn’t really like it. I took the mouse, let it run up my arm and petted it. It squeaked happily. The boy was very disappointed. A spider would have been another story.
I can be as complex as anyone, but I don’t do it for fun. Women don’t appreciate “This thing has twenty eye-lenses! Wow! Can I keep it in the house?” Men love biological or metal doohickeys with antennae/wires sticking out, and red mouth-parts. A woman will accept a lobster on a plate, however… (more…)