This kind of thing really gets on my tits

[tacit]

I just ordered wood for my new living room floor (which is OMG so exciting - you should see the state of the current carpet, ugh) and had a bit of a barny with the guy on the phone. He wanted to know if there would be a 'competent male' on the premises when the delivery comes.

Me: Why?
Him: We just require that there's a competent male for all deliveries.
Me: Ok, but why? (Because if it was some sort of ridiculous harassment prevention thing I'd have accepted it)
Him: To help the driver unload.
Me: Well, I'll help the driver unload
Him: (lengthly explanation of height of van, possibility of wood being on the very top)
Me: What if all the men I know are short?
Him (laughter)
Me: No, seriously. What if the men are all short and weedy and workshy, and I'm tall and strong and willing?
Him: Well, I wouldn't expect a lady to unload. Or a woman.
Me: (bristling over 'or a woman') Isn't ability to unload more relevent than gender?
Him: ...
Me: I'll do it. I spent yesterday distmantling a concrete and steel sectional office and loading it into a lorry. I'm capable.
Him: ...
Me: (No longer amused) There won't be any men here.
Him: If the driver can't unload by himself, you're liable for the extra delivery charge. And the cost of a second man to help him.
Me: !!!!!

Honestly. It's been a while since I've had to deal with this shit. I forgot.

I just hope that the driver passes on news of my freakish, unladylike strength and willing.

Comments

[ladyflowdi.livejournal.com]

Honestly. There's a difference between being chivalrous and being an asshole, and phone guy? An *asshole*.

[tacittype.livejournal.com]

I know! I mean, in another mood I'd have just rolled my eyes and left him to his delusions. But sometimes I feel the need to point out the flaws in people's dumbass assumptions, you know?

It might've been different if we were discussing something really heavy, like an oven. Because, yes, men are usually stronger. Even when I was doing construction 50 hours a week I'd have struggled with anything over 60 or 70 kilos - although, my brother would struggle with 40. But wood? Comes in individual planks. Of, like 10 kilos, tops.

*is irritated*

(Pee ess - excellent face of Joe up there!)

[ladyflowdi.livejournal.com]

But wood? Comes in individual planks. Of, like 10 kilos, tops.

When we were moving this past spring, my mom and I moved furniture, our washer and dryer, cabinets, mattresses, all by ourselves, up and down two flights of stairs.

We aren't always as strong as guys, but he should have given you the benefit of the doubt!

(Pee ess - excellent face of Joe up there!)

Hee! Even Joe hates Mr. Asshat, the Phone Guy.

[tacittype.livejournal.com]

Yeah, absolutely! How precisely does he imagine having a willy would help?

It might take us a little longer, but we get it done. And, I believe (if I can be almost as sexist as Mr Asshat) that we take less time frowning at the job, drinking tea and saying, 'I dunno luv, that'll cost extra...'

[naye]

(This is where I need a Donna icon.)

WHAT.

[tacittype.livejournal.com]

DONNA WOULD KICK HIS ASS.

That would amuse me greatly.

[deltacephei.livejournal.com]

I am amused. Not about phone guy (because *wtf*??) but because of how you handled this. The transcript of the conversation made me grin at first: How can this guy be such an idiot?
Then it gets less amusing. The "lady... or a woman" comment induces just a giant *WTF, is that idiot for real*?
Yep *nods* he's an asshole.

And that driver better be impressed by your extreme capability. *g* (Although it would be even better if your being a woman wouldn't even make him raise an eyebrow.)

[tacittype.livejournal.com]

The "lady... or a woman" comment induces just a giant *WTF, is that idiot for real*?

I know! I told C and she almost died laughing.

Although it would be even better if your being a woman wouldn't even make him raise an eyebrow

Exactly. And, that's where I got to with my regular suppliers. I forgot how some of them were at first! I will teach all of Nottingham to respect women's ability to do men's work. I WILL.

[torakowalski.livejournal.com]

Wow, I... honestly didn't know that kind of thing still happened in real life. ::unimpressed face::

[tacittype.livejournal.com]

I know! I can't decide if I'm deeply entertained or grievously offended. I think if I had to deal with him again I'd press my point until, inevitably, I won and he cried like a lady. Sorry, a WOMAN.

[raisintorte.livejournal.com]

Did the delivery happen? (i'm behind on LJ by a few days). We're they amazed you could help?

[tacittype.livejournal.com]

Yep! I got it yesterday. I couldn't lift the packs of wood comfortably by myself - but neither could the driver. Between us it was easy, and hardly took any time. The driver (who was lovely) said that in his opinion, women aren't as strong but they have more stamina. He also said that he'd slander the boss a bit for me when he got back to base. A victory? I'll take it...