Calling the Shots!!!

Trust me; what follows is not one of those run-of-the-mill issues revolving around-FEMINISM that all women love to talk about but something which maybe is sometimes equally disturbing.

What I basically want to express are my not so pleasant experiences, all of which have happened fortunately or unfortunately when I dinned out with my guy-friends.

Many girls consider it their good fortune that they are going out with guys and they shall be assured a prompt and good service considering the presence of men usually steers up the waiters to take note of their table. But I beg to differ, being single these 21 years-I haven't for a second felt the need or want to be accompanied by guys just for the sake of it. Well, but I undoubtedly love the presence of dad and brothers when we go out to dine and wine :)

The basic idea is that I prefer making my own choices and like the staffer coming up, telling me about their specialties and letting me order as per my whims and fancies. The trend is no different when I go and party with my girl gang. But the story is quite contrary when I am accompanied by my friends of the opposite sex. As a rule, the bar menu is handed over to him and the food menu to me. It's not that I am an empty tank or something but what if I too want to order for a drink or so. The matter doesn't end here, the other day I went out with a friend at a posh cafe in South Delhi and was appalled by the behavior of the attendants. Everything from the seat selection to ordering the drinks, the waiter only and only asked my friend as though he was my spokesperson too. And yes, even when I ordered a bottle of water, the waiter took it to the male friend first for his approval regarding the temperature of the bottle.

I am not saying that this is an issue that the world needs to take notice of but when issues of gender equality crop up, they tend to spark some sort of fire within us to change the system etc etc. Here, I don't wish to change the system-all I want is an equal right to call the shots when I go out to dine irrespective of my companion. I hope the concerned people are listening!!!