We've Come a Long Way, Baby

First, the big stuff: My son got moved into his apartment last weekend. Yesterday he called to apologize. Just two short sentences, but at least it was a start. We had lunch together yesterday, and it was peaceful. Stay tuned.

Next, the funniest thing happened yesterday. Funny strange, not funny haha. My publicist e-mailed to ask if I'd do an interview for Men's Health magazine. Of course, I said yes, but also asked if the interviewer knew I am a woman. Between my name and the subject matter of my books (home improvement), people are surprised sometimes.

Her reply expressed confidence it would make no difference.

Later in the day, she wrote again. This time to say that the writer did indeed want to speak to a male "expert."

I was disappointed, of course. Men's Health is a big name, after all. But I wasn't surprised. They know the readers they serve. The article, as it was explained to me, was about showing men how to learn or take on new things. Neither the writer nor the magazine are responsible for the fact that the average man is less comfortable taking advice or instruction from a woman than from another man.

I am incredibly blessed. I've worked in male-dominated fields most of my life and have experienced direct, irrefutable discrimination only a small handful of times. Mostly, this little exchange is a reminder that we may have come a long way, but we've still got a long way to go.

For another interesting illustration of how far, check out this article about crying in public.

Oh, and Bill Maher, if you're reading this: you embarrassed yourself with those comments. Should all men be embarrassed, too?