Basic Toxic Masculinity

(I work for a small company selling landscaping and construction supplies. I handle the majority of phone calls and customer questions. I am female.)

Me: “[Company].”

Customer: “Yes, hello! Are any of the men around?”

Me: *pause* “No, sir, I’m the only one in the office at the moment. Is there something I can help you with?”

Customer: “Well, I guess you can try!” *asks very basic questions about some of our most popular products*

Me: *answers questions completely* “Is there anything else I can help you with today?”

Customer: “No, that’s it! I’ll call back and talk to one of the guys later. Bye!”

(At least he was polite?)