Collar Stays at Home Bullshit

Allow me to set the scene for you: Lennie is standing at a display table in a men's clothing store. I am standing next to him, playing the role of "fashion consultant" while rocking the stroller back and forth to keep Ella calm. The sales clerk is trying to help him decide between 4 or 5 different dress shirts to go with the already agreed upon pair of trousers. Lennie prefers the white. I prefer the blue stripe. Lennie asks the clerk if they are both machine washable. The clerk is eager to help and says, "Oh yeah, they can both go in the wash. You just have to take out the stays."

Lennie, who has spent most of his adult life wearing free T-shirts and flip flops, asks, "What's a stay?"

The clerk demonstrates how to remove the little plastic stick from the collar, holds it up to show Lennie, and says, "The stay keeps the collar nice and stiff. You just have to remove it before doing the laundry or ironing it."

And then, at the exact moment that the clerk says "laundry", both Lennie and the clerk look directly at me.

"Are you taking notes on this, woman?" While they didn't actually say it verbally, the intent was clear.

After my eyebrows settle back down onto my forehead, I am amused. "Well, that was sexist." Nervous laughter from the clerk ensues. Lennie smirks.

Later that evening: I am standing at an ironing board removing collar stays and ironing the shirt.

Pop Quiz Time

I ironed the shirt because:
a. It's part of my job as a Stay at Home Mom/Wife

b. I'm just better at it

c. I have Stockholm Syndrome

d. Please God, none of the above.

Here's the kicker: I'm hoping for (d), but I can't discount a through c.