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On this Friday night, I found myself repairing my bathroom sink. Going to the nearest store to get some tools I needed to test my patience and inner peace. Being confident in my abilities though, was a game-changer. Since I can’t be charming, that was the next best thing.

I have already written about how much I enjoyed repairing stuff around the house with my father. Through watching and helping him, I have learned a lot.

Going to the hardware stores with him, also taught me from a young age that a person’s perceived gender could be an issue with regard to how said person’s abilities are judged.

Unfortunately, in Greece, it’s still common for older people to think that women and female-presenting/feminine people aren’t skilled enough to do the tasks that were traditionally “a man’s business”.

After locating the issue in my bathroom sink and knowing that I would need a bigger pipe wrench and a new valve, I headed to the closest store. The owner, a man in his late 50s, was happy to help me find what I needed.

Before paying, we had a “fun” conversation:

Owner: So you’re sure that’s what you were asked to buy? Me: What do you mean? Owner: I’m just asking for confirmation… The one who sent you here to buy these, asked for those sizes, right? Me: The sizes are correct. Owner: Great, I’m just asking. You (plural) often get those things wrong! Me: We..? Owner: Don’t get me wrong… It’s just that men know better. Me: *raising my left eyebrow*

Since I don’t do well with confrontation, I decided to just let it slide. I wasn’t in the mood to start a discussion about stereotypes and gender roles. And raising my left eyebrow is my signature move.

Once I was by the door, I turned around and told him “Actually, I will be fixing the sink by myself! Have a good night!” and left.

I was laughing inside my head on the way back home. I didn’t get to see his reaction, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it!

My bathroom sink is fixed now, and I made a conscious effort to not get carried away by the thoughts that always arise when I’m repairing something.

Would I have become a good mechanic?

Would I have become a ship mechanic and travel around the world like I always dreamed of doing?

Would I have survived as a feminine-presenting person?

I don’t have any answers to these questions.

What I know is that repairing things makes me happy, and that’s good enough.