Damsel in distress

As much as feminists go on about how women are strong and independent, and we can do everything a man can do, and we are self-sufficient and don't need any help thank you very much, there are just some things that you need a man for. Or when it feels nice to have a man around.

-To do heavy lifting. Yes, some men are small boned and delicate and some women are burly and strong. But it goes without saying that men have more physical strength than women do.

-To change a tire. Or car trouble in general. My father or brother are the first people I call when I am having car trouble.

-Computer problems. Most guys have at least a basic knowledge of computers. Or they make it up. But hey if they sound like they know what they are doing, why not give it a try.

-(For some women) To kill bugs and other creatures. I've seen my fair share of bugs, cockroaches, mice. It is not pretty. Even if you do not run screaming from a room, it is pretty unpleasant to have to kill one.

-(Sometimes) For sound logical advice. If you are looking for a solution, straight up no-frills advice, don't go to your girl friends. Guys are by nature more level-headed and logical when it comes to giving advice. Real advice, not "Does this dress make me look fat?". The answer to that question is, "Don't ask a question you don't want the answer to". And you know you don't.

I'm sure there are a lot of other things men are good for. And yes, we can protect ourselves. But sometimes it is just nice to have a man do that for you.

When I was in a car accident and all the local members of shmira (the Jewish volunteer police) came to my aid, basically surrounded me and asked me if everything was all right. Yes, I could protect myself just fine. But it was nice to have a little back-up.

When I got lost driving my friend to the airport at 5 am and I called my father for directions. (This was before he bought me a GPS for that explicit purpose.)

When the car I was driving started smoking, and I called my brother. Who told me to get out of the car and run the other way.

Every day at work when I ask my co-worker for help. Yes, I run the risk of making myself seem like an idiot, when I tell him frustratingly that the program I'm using is malfunctioning, and he points out that I need to click on the window so that I'm actually in the program and then it works just fine. Points to him for not laughing at me. And at least I can laugh at myself. And I am not afraid to ask him another (sometimes idiotic though not intentional) question.

If the world was made up of just us females, yes I'm sure we would rise to the challenge and figure out how to change a tire.

But you gotta admit- it is much more gratifying having a big strong man do it for you.

We are not helpless. We ask you to open jars to make you feel good about yourself.

To all guys out there: It is so nice to have you around :)