Context: We're in a bit of a heat wave and my daughter loves to cool down by splashing in water. Today was no different.

Once she was done, I say to her "Let's get you out of that wet dress. I imagine it must be uncomfortable. I've never actually worn a wet dress before".

Before I can follow that up with "I've worn wet clothes before, and that's not the nicest", my wife jumps in and claims that me saying I've never worn a wet dress is sexist.

Is it?

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[–] 21 points 1 year ago (3 children)

In general, I don't think it's right to lie down flat whenever someone accuses you of saying something wrong, just because they think it was wrong.

It should be pretty fair to respond with a simple "why is that sexist? I think wet clothes are uncomfortable, so I assumed others did as well."

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  • [–] 4 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    It's not about lying down, it's about de-escalating.

    That can be a touchy subject, so a little bit of humility helps prevent hurt feelings.

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  • [–] 8 points 1 year ago*

    To add to that, I know that if I just came out and said exactly “why is that sexist?” it probably would sound like I’m copping an attitude. So I think/agree that it’d be safer to approach it more delicately.

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