Work?  Like that ?  No thanks!  

 True story.  Six year old is awaiting collection by her mum.  Who is late.  Again.  The last child but her has left the classroom and her mouth is slowly but assuredly beginning a downward trajectory.  Her big brown eyes are beginning to fill and I know at any moment the flood gates could open.  And she's good at that.  Real good.
   'So!' I say cheerfully. 'Let's tidy.  I'll pick up paper for recycling, you look for stray pencils.'
   Being last one standing in the class is something that is enjoyed by a lot of children.  And they love to help. Usually.
   She looks at me, her face ranging from an initial thoughtfulness to an puzzled disdainfulness.
   'I', she declared with royal confidence, 'don't do work like that.'
    Did I laugh?  Did I scold?  Did I coerce?  No.
    I crumbled.  I had an existential crisis.
   How I wished my mum had taught me to say that.
    How I wish I could teach myself to say that.  But as teacher, mum, blogger, etc I can't say no.
    Ceiling needs painting?  I'll do it!
    Kitchen needs cleaning?  I'll get up early and do it.  Yes, before work.
    Extended family looking a little disjointed?  I'll have a party!
    At six, she has life skills I will never possess.  She knows where she's headed and it's not the kitchen after a day's work.
    She will fulfill her potential but I will not.  I have to hoover.  And hoovering is easier.
    I now find myself viewing every new and old acquaintance and female friend with a new curiousity.
    Do they or do they not do work like that?
    The better half calls them the 'don't touch me!'  women.  He prefers me.  He says.
    But I'm left with a certain envy because I've a funny feeling that this is one of the great divides of the female world.  
    Those who do and those who don't do work like that!