A Man's World

This is a man's world, this is a man's world
You see, man made the cars to take us over the road
Man made the trains to carry heavy loads
Man made electric light to take us out of the dark
Man made the boat for the water, like Noah made the ark

-James Brown-

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 Cat was having a problem with her car..again. Hmm, ever since the accident a few months ago, Cat's Viva has not been the same anymore. It;s still the same shiny silver coloured car..but there's a strange feel to it. There's also a slight off tune feeling when Cat turns sharply at the corner.

That's the biggest challenge for Cat: having a gut feeling that something is not right...but unable to express clearly what's wrong with it. And this being a man's world, you need to have the technical ability words in order not to be looked down (and not to be charged a bomb just because you do not speak the 'jargon').

As Cat parked her car at the tyre shop and step her foot in there, it feels like being out of this world , in a strange planet. There was the usual drilling and banging sounds that you would expect in a workshop. The difference is that everyone there acts as if you do not exist and just continue doing whatever they were doing. Trying to muster up her courage, Cat took a deep breath and with a so called air of confidence, went to the nearest guy, ' Excuse me..I do have this problem with my car...'

Not yet finished her sentences, the long haired guy pointed to another guy who was sweeping the floor. 'Ask him.' Cat was astonished..why does she need to refer to the cleaner..? Hmm.. well, here goes. Cat started again her explaination, 'Excuse me, ....'. He spoke with a loud voice. 'Seng, go and look at this lady's car. It need's aligment.'

Another guy came and asks for the car keys, started it and just went off with it! Gone all act of being the world wise Cat.. Eyes big as saucers, Cat looked up at the cleaner, but he just acted as if nothing is wrong and goes off whistling a happy tune. Okayyy.. Cat regains her composure ..and her car came back into view not so shortly. So, it was a test run to see what;s the problem.Can't they just say something in the first place..and avoid giving cat a heart attack..?

The next question was..where do you sit or stand while waiting for your car? And what do you do while waiting? There wasn't a chair in view..and the place is full of wires and tools. Act like a guy and talk about engines and cars? Hmm..Cat just wants them to repair the problem and makes an exit as fast as she can. Talking is  a problem when there's no one sociable around. Just guys whispering and seemingly laughing at this out of place person. But, Cat would do anything for her car.

Cat guesses that Cat is not the only woman who goes to a tyre shop on her own. However, it's really a man's place to be here or for those women that know and love all these men's toys and know the language. Not a place certainly for a soft spoken and unsure person. Maybe this is what a guy feels when they have to be alone at a lingerie shop buying something for their love ones. Out of place.

Lesson for today : Either you just act tough and bear all the embarassing comments or.. bring a guy with you when you go to a tyre shop. This is a man's world..