PEOPLES DAILY WEEKEND SATURDAY 26 — SUNDAY 27, MAY, 2012
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Relationship Why I love other women’s men Diary of a single girl Being a single girl in Joburg is not easy; this is why I love to use men who aren't mine
I
arrived home to find my water outlet pipe raging water into my garden and as I waltzed into my garage to get my hammer, I started to think back to when my brilliant brother taught me what to do when these types of things happen. He so kindly and patiently assisted my mom and sisters through most of our home issues over so many years to make us into the very independent women we are today. I still refer to him as ‘my MacGyver’ and everyone who comes into contact with him concurs, he is amazing with some Q20, duct tape and a Swiss Army knife. I got to thinking about a few years back when I was so adamant to buy a bakkie. With the full knowledge that a girl walking into a dealership with the dreams of owning a double cab would not be taken seriously, I dragged a good guy mate with me. He was instrumental in the car I bought as well as helping with the basics of diesel driving, information I still impart to new 4by and diesel drivers. Fast forward to ten months ago, I dragged another man in my life to help me buy my first mountain bike. Along with a very patient sales guy, they kitted me out with what is now one of my favourite toys. The trick to taking someone with specific knowledge is they know what you need, what makes it comfortable and what makes you look cool to the outside world.
When I started doing triathlons, I then needed a road bike, so off I dragged a triathlon specialist with me to same sales person. (Although at this stage he must have thought I was a bit of a swinger.) My new friend assisted with additional shoes, bike and accessories for the new sport. Arriving at my first triathlon, a 20 year tri vet took one look at my bike and insisted on removing all the stickers, puncture kit, gloves, socks and extra water bottles. I was horrified, but accepted that he knew more than me and proceeded to do the race not looking like a complete newbie. Today a work mate asked me if there was a starter kit for newbies. It got me thinking of all the other women’s men I called upon to help me on a daily basis. I consider myself so lucky to have a circle of experts that I can call on at any stage to off advice, set up my gear, and guide me on my paths of life experiences. On few occasions I have bribed them with food. I do remember an evening before the Half Iron Man race where I needed to learn how to change a tire on my bike or like the time I won an Ipad and needed help with the setup. Luckily I am a good cook. The other people I do need to thank are the very understanding wives of all my guy mates that very patiently accept that they share their guys with
me on occasion with no complaints or jealousy. So my top list of places to find people I ask for assistance have to be: 1. Work mates; they are an invaluable source of information for sports gear, gift ideas and the occasional man advice on relationships. 2 . The ‘expert’ in the store; contrary to many people’s beliefs, most of these guys are genuinely there to help you and will offer a constructive viewpoint. 3 . The IT Nerd @ the office; they can also be the IT nerd of a close friend. Normally very happy to assist setting up new phones, gadgets and computers. I have on many occasions managed to get software upgrades, phone switches and gadget advice in exchange for some
Ferrero Rocher. 4 . The sports expert; often their enthusiasm overshadows your immediate needs, but if you are quite specific on what you can afford, they will tell you their own best options before settling down to the normal man’s vocabulary and imparting some valuable insights. They can often be found at dinner parties. Sometimes single. At the end of the day it is important to always have an opinion on what you are looking for or to get done. The last thing you need is an iPad set up of metal music when you are a pop chick because you said you did not care what music was loaded. Always set a budget and be comfortable saying what you are and what you are not prepared to spend. It does not leave a great taste in your mouth when you walk out of a store having overspent your budget getting gear you probably don’t need because you were bullied or too intimidated to say no. So pick your team of experts and men to borrow. Treat them kindly. You never know when you are going to be giving them a call again. Source: Dreamskygirlsa