PSA, DO NOT ASSUME THE FEMALE DRIVER NEEDS OR WANTS YOUR HELP

We live in a world where people have been programmed to be offended by everything.

Man, this needs to be on a billboard or something it's so damn true

This is a very interesting discussion. I can see valid points on all sides of this issue.

However, if I encounter any female drivers wearing red shirts I I am definitely not going to mess with that person.

Just saying… ….

I definitely am old school when it comes chivalry and respect for women. I was raised to say M'am, open doors, pull out chairs and put women on pedestals. I have raised my son to do the same.

I would not have touched the landing gear without being asked for assistance. It seems like some people are too sensitive when help is offered and someday when help is needed they might not find someone to help.

I can't count how many people I've helped out there.

When I worked with Pepsi, I'd help the coke guy stock his shelves just because I had the the time to.

At a truck stop in Virginia, I helped a driver from a company I've never heard of side his tandems.

In Ohio, I stopped to help a Western Express driver figure out how to use his fuel card and I talked him out of (at least at the time) abandoning his equipment.

G-Town helped me out, taking me on a ride along. Didn't know me from a hole in a wall and allowed me to be in his truck and ride with him.

I helped a FedEx driver crank landing gear on a trailer he dropped at a meet location.

My view is that we're all on the same team out here. If we don't help each other, who will? We all dedicate countless hours here helping and guiding people. I don't see a difference.

As for the article of clothing, I can usually recall what somebody was wearing if I recently saw them. My photogenic memory is what makes me a fast learner.

I’d never touch someone’s landing gear, just because I have a process of how I do things, and if I get interrupted I could miss removing the airlines (if I’m dropping it) or not checking the pin (accidentally dropping it)

The whole interaction could have gone way better, had he simply ASKED before touching my trailer, and said something innocuous like "I think we picked up at the same location, (said location) right?"

That statement is way less creepy than "oh yeah, I saw you wearing a red shirt, black jeans, and purple chucks.".

Had my laid back chill dog not been wanting to tear his face off, I wouldn't have been as "on alert." My hyper aware dog wants to have a go at any dude with a beard and a ballcap, so I mostly take that into consideration.

The bottom line is, sure, approach people, OFFER assistance, by asking if they could use a hand. Don't stop helping people if that is in your nature. Just don't lay hands on equipment without permission.

NaeNaeInNC, I'm curious.....how should a man approach you if he's just looking for friendly conversation? Or maybe that's not possible? I'm asking because I'm the type that will just talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime. I'm just the friendly, talkative type. It would never cross my mind that someone might be offended by an attempt at friendly conversation and a helping hand.

I'm really not a raging B.... Most of the time.

We live in a world where people have been programmed to be offended by everything.

Man, this needs to be on a billboard or something it's so damn true

This is a very interesting discussion. I can see valid points on all sides of this issue.

However, if I encounter any female drivers wearing red shirts I I am definitely not going to mess with that person.

Just saying… ….

My bottom line, as RealDiehl said:

If nothing else I hope people reading this at least gather that from this thread—don’t assume things and don’t touch another driver’s equipment without their express knowledge and/or consent.

Hiya, Deb: It's no big deal, but it was not me who said this. I do agree with Pianoman though...touching someone else's equipment without their permission is a no-no.

Hiya, Deb: It's no big deal, but it was not me who said this. I do agree with Pianoman though...touching someone else's equipment without their permission is a no-no.

Oops. My apologies!

Sounds like someone was hitting on you and not helping you from your description of his actions. There's a difference between being courteous and helpful and being a predator. If you like to help people help them if you don't stay in your lane and keep the shiny side up.

The bottom line here folks is that if a man dares to help a female without her express consent and/or gives the wrong look, he should be dragged away in handcuffs.