Around Town

We at-home moms are noticing a new phenom around town these days, and it is not a comforting one.

Men. Everywhere. Chivalrous hold-open-that-door-for-you fellows. I have received more assistance with groceries, boxes, and other random tasks this winter than in my past seven years as a stay-at-home mom. These are stand up gentlemen with no where to go. The best... the brightest... the now-unemployed.

I feel for these guys, all of them. I see them at the post office, the supermarket, the library at story hour... in places where I have not encountered them before, in increasing numbers.

They want to be useful. I see them around town because either they have offered to run these errands for their wives or they were asked. It doesn't really matter; either way it is an attempt to preserve self-esteem. These guys are clearly visible proof of that fact that we are all losers in the recent banking and economy bloodbath. Many are professionals and the others are service providers for those services that we have cut back on these days, like construction and home improvement. They appear uncomfortable at the deli counter, standing in line with the women and children lined up for their weekly visit.

And who can blame them? I remember years ago when Sarah was first born, my first full trip to the grocery store with my then colicky infant. I had trouble finding everything, took way too long to complete my shopping and felt rather out of place and disorganized. I filled out the wrong forms at the post office. While at-home-mommyhood was a conscious choice, I was a serious newbie to this gig. I was used to managing teams of professionals in two different states, traveling on business, presenting to clients, and dining out. I was used to completing projects I started and receiving multiple "atta girls" that resulted in hard-earned bonuses.

Given my perspective, it is no surprise that I can understand a glimmer of what these professional men, these do-good providers without their cause, are feeling. Stir in a lack of ability to feel productive and a good dose of financial woes, and I am impressed at how well all of them are doing.

Let's hope that Obama can team up with our lawmakers to effect some serious change and begin to turn this mess around. Quickly.