The Weight Of Being A Woman

(The inventory manager is going through the overstock carts of dog food and, though I don’t normally work in that department, I’m helping him put them out. I am female. I am carrying a 40lb bag of food when I notice a male customer in the next aisle.)

Me: “Hello, are you finding everything all right?”

Customer: *gesturing to the bag of dog food* “Do you need help with that?”

Me: “Uh, no, that’s okay, thanks. Did you need help with anything?”

Customer: *looking unconvinced* “No, I already found it.”

(Five minutes later, I’m rearranging some large bags to fit another one in when a different male customer approaches me.)

Customer: “Do you want some help with that?”

Me: “No, thanks, I got it. Do you need help finding anything?”

Customer: “No, I’m good.”

(My manager comes over shortly after the customer leaves to check on my progress.)

Manager: “How are you doing?”

Me: “Almost done with the cart, but if one more guy asks if I need help doing my job I’m going to hurt someone.”