I think you're free to choose to do - or NOT do - whatever the heck you want. Isn't that the point of the freedom we women have been working so hard for?
My husband, for instance, always fills my gas tank. I am perfectly capable, with my dainty girl fingers, of pumping gas, but he does it as a statement of love, and I accept it as such. The whole transaction leaves both of us feeling special, in the roles we've chosen.
When I was younger, I insisted on doing all the "masculine" tasks myself. I remember in college one day, lying in a parking lot, under my stupid stupid car, skinning my knuckles, changing out the stupid throwout bearing AGAIN, while a handful of guy friends stood around, begging me to let them help. I REFUSED because I was woman, watch me yank a throwout bearing. If you ask me, that was just as much of a prison as the old, rigid stereotypes. Stupid.
Besides, I've found that some men are more comfortable expressing love with action. So let them.

I agree with Kira -- we have the freedom now to choose to do, or not do, whatever we gosh darn well please. I think it's great to live in a time where things aren't so taboo. In my mother's time there were clear cut lines as to what a man does, and what a women should do. The woman should marry, have babies, raise the children, clean the house, cook, and whatever other domestic type duties she could find. If the woman had the time she was also expected to entertain guests, host tea parties, and/or partake in some kind of good-will/volunteer organization. Floral print housedresses, however, were optional.

To this day my mother (bless he heart) still refers to certain things as "the man's job." In my house, it's "the man's job" to cut the meat... as in a roast, or a turkey, or whatever other meaty deliciousness has been prepared. It's also "the man's job" to mow the lawn, do any heavy lifting (ie: anything over 10lbs), as well as any and all household repairs. The "man" is also responsible for anything pertaining to the household vehicles, which includes, but is not limited to, checking the fluids & tire pressure, keeping up with all inspections and registrations, regular oil changes, pumping the gas, and even washing the vehicles.

I, on the other hand, am completely content doing whatever it is that needs to be done. Whether it's playing with power tools & putting furniture together, or slicing up that delicious roast that I just ordered from take out... um, I mean spent hours preparing. Car maintenance, however, I will never learn. I have no desire to crawl under the hood of that massive vehicle when I can pay my trusty mechanic to do it for me. Thats where I draw the line.

i know my way around under a hood and think anyone who owns a car and doesn't visit the quick lube/oil change places regularly should at least know how to check fluids and spot check for obvious problems regularly...

instead of fixing a flat, i just call AAA and get towed to a service station and get the tire fixed or replaced and be done with it.

I am hip to doors being held/opened for me, tabs being picked up (if they aren't too huge - unless I am really serious about the guy). I am cool with buying or cooking for him, too.

I think folks should do what they are able, feel comfortable doing regardless of gender and also move outside their comfort zones into some growth. I don't go for 'doing everything a man can' and stopping there since I want to be able to do everything a woman can - and then some? Also, I am okay with a man/men doing some things that I/women 'can't' or don't... I think to each their own - also where does this leave transsexual/transgender folks? I really am tired of the 'battle of the sexes' to tell the truth. I would hope we all can pursue our happiness and not worry about certain gender stereotypes/roles, etc. as long as things work out. i hope this makes some sense... maybe i'm getting old/er and the bra burning isn't/wasn't all it was cracked up to be? braless feminists forever? bff...:P

right.

touche

moving right along...

have you heard about: the BLOOD TYPE DIETS? different foods affect folks with different blood types differently and there are things that are beneficial, normal and 'poisonous'/to be avoided depending on your blood type. I'm type O and dairy is tougher for O's to deal with, for example. I just found out about this at my sisters tonight. It's very interesting I think.

also, a creative prankster dude legally changed his name to ashton kutcher and pulled some serious shenanigans using it. I guess he also dresses up as Ben Franklin and blathers ridiculous stuff to tourists and whatnot... http://potw.news.yahoo.com/
(John Hargrave)

Risen Lord Jesus' Peace!
e.t./sue >>*:D (: +