Just skip the hot potatoe items that always seem to end in conflict: religion and politics (perhaps sports if supporter from two different competitive teams) and you're good.
I agree Sir. (Not 'Sir' or 'Madam' as I know you are male, and address you as such then
)
Except this 'topic' didn't diverge to either religion or politics, or race, but discussing a womans
place/acceptance in this technical world. (Amongst others).
I have the greatest respect throughout my 'technical' life for girls/women who do/know....
SOMETIMES, though, I've experienced the 'negative' ones, that feel a need to 'prove' something ?
Times are changing, (for the good!), but I 'base' myself on how my father brought me up.
So for instance, I've made the 'mistake' of merely holding a door open for a woman, (how I'm
brought up), and being told... "What do you thing I am, a F&%#ing cripple!! ".... sigh....
Or 'daring' to pay for a meal out, (how I was brought up!), on a first date, 'without' knowing
what 'she' earns, if anything. To ME... these are (were!) signs of being a 'Gentleman'.....
Some women/(girls) I've spoken to in latter years have constantly said the likes of....
"Oh no, I can't let 'them' buy me a drink, because then I "owe" (sigh) them!!"
These 'women/girls' need to STOP dumbing themselves down & get back on their deserved Pedestals !!!!