Identity Crisis

So today on our venture to Wal-Mart, the cashier called Chloe "handsome." Knowing full well that she took one look at Chloe's lovely teal sweater (that compliments her red hair beautifully), saw blue and assumed boy... despite the pink blanket, pink bunny and pink flower! I didn't correct her, I just referred to Chloe as "she" in another part of the conversation, the lady caught on and sheepishly corrected herself. I think the lady should be happy that despite the blue Walmart smock she was sporting, I used my context clues and came to the conclusion that the stranger standing before me was indeed a woman, it's not that hard.

A few weeks ago I was looking at a pink hat for Chloe when the sales lady boldy said, "you don't want pink, pink is for girls." Holding nothing back, I looked right at her and retorted, "yes, SHE is a girl!" Chloe just happened to be wearing turqoise pants with a floral shirt... I didn't think that was gender confusing whatsoever.

So, what can be done to prevent such comments in the future?

Option 1: I can dress Chloe in head to toe pink... no thanks, there are so many other colors that compliment her red hair. Plus, it's happened when she's been in all pink too!

Option 2: I can keep retorting back and make people feel stupid for their blunder. While that is satisfying sometimes, it's not nice and just harbors unnecessary bitterness inside me.

Option 3: A new entry for the Ms. Manner's book of etiquette needs to be published in the life-style section of every newspaper nation-wide and should read something like this...

While conversing with a stranger and commenting about their baby, don't assume the gender of the child. Instead, if you must say something to the mother or baby, error on the side of safety, say things like:

"My, what a precious baby" or ask the mother "How old?" She will most likely reply "he or she is x months old." Then you can be certain of the gender and procede with gender related comments from there. If you are still uncertain, keep your mouth shut, does it really matter if you ever find out the gender of the stranger's child?

There, glad we got that cleared up!