Is Politeness Manly?

I cycle along a bike track behind where I live (you can see a three part series on it by clicking here). In many parts it is too narrow for two bikes approaching each other to pass. Most of the cyclists are male and 95% of them are not quick to pull off to let you get around them. They will slow down and try to squeeze past, but that just won't be enough. I usually take the initiative and pull off in narrower sections and call them through.

What kind of response do I get? Serious off road cyclists rarely acknowledge me as they past, their egos reflected in their stern faces. More casual riders often smile or say "Hi'. Perhaps 5% of men say "Thanks". As for women, some look surprised when I pull off the track and 95% would say a very appreciative "Thank you".

So why the difference? Is it the pseudo-macho Kiwi male trying to be the tough guy and thinks it isn't suitable? Women have no problem so I wonder if it is a mixture of testosterone and insecurity. Lack of politeness certainly isn't manly. I have so much more respect for women when it comes to how they treat others.

Now that doesn't hurt the ego, does it? 

The Quickest Way To London

A man walks into a country pub somewhere in the countryside of England, not too far from London. As he has a quick drink, he says to the barman, ‘What’s the quickest way to London?’

The barman asks, ‘Are you walking or driving?’

Slightly nonplussed, the man says, ‘Driving.’

The barman says, ‘Aye, that’s definitely the quickest way.’

Corny Jokes 2

Due to the current economic crisis, Greece is cancelling all production of humus and Taramasalata. It's a double dip recession.

Two people were injured this morning when a bunk bed collapsed. It was not a terrorist attack, but the police are blaming AL IKEA.

Police stop a Pakistani in his transit van on the motorway. Policeman says "Do you know the limit is 70?" The driver leans into the back and says: "Hear that........3 of you have got to get out!"

Jonathan Ross has been accused of shoplifting a kitchen utensil from Tesco. Ross says it was a whisk he was prepared to take.

Just a reminder to those who stole electrical goods in Last Year's Riots. Your one year manufacturer's warranty runs out soon.

A mummy covered in chocolate and nuts has been discovered in Egypt. Archaeologists believe it may be Pharaoh Rocher.