Member-only story
The worst way men try to pick up women
When getting your meat and bread at the same place makes it bad for all involved
I dread the transition from Winter to Spring for one reason — how quick the grass grows. Each year becomes more challenging from the last in getting my yard man out consistently.
My eldest son cuts the grass for the most part. Without a trimmer he’s unable to keep the weeds down and give the yard the precision trim look I love.
After a few failed attempts of getting my yard man out, I’d given up. Not only were there weeds to eradicate, I wanted a quote on tree removal.
Recollecting our conversation during his latest visit shed some light on why he hadn’t made it out. He’d cut down his client list in my area. “Too many non paying customers,” he recalled. “I’m not one of ‘em,” I said half pleading my case.
The realization of needing to move on was clear. There weren’t enough yards to cut in the area to justify the trip. Nothing personal, just business.
I’d need to find someone else.
On a trip to the store a few weeks later, a man approached in the parking lot handing out flyers. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. On the flyer was his list of lawn care services.
Then he asked a no-no.
“You married?”
(Sigh) Here we go.
“Of course.”
“Hmmph, of course,” he repeated half shaking his head.
Over the past several years I may have become single but not stupid. And one thing I don’t do is let men who are strangers know I’m alone.
Safety first.
Him asking the question alerted me to where his head was at. Big and little.
He had no idea I was looking for a professional to provide quality lawn care. Him approaching at the right time yet asking the wrong question would cost him my business.
Speaking with a male associate about this he provided a bit of clarity. He’d been offered sex in exchange for his services from female clients. “I want my money. But some men use that as a way to get women.”
Apparently it goes both ways. While making an appliance purchase at Home Depot, the gentleman assisting who is a handy man on the side, stated he repeatedly had women offering themselves in exchange for home repairs.
Bottom line: Men and women have made it bad through mixing and/or exchanging business with pleasure. There are those of us (especially women) who want professionals to provide quality, reliable services free from sexual interest or flirtation.
If there is any a time where women would do well entering the lawn care, plumbing, home/auto repair trades, this is it.
I’d definitely be a customer.
