The Sisterhood isn't sacred, and that's ok.

I’ve never been a girl-girl. Growing up, my closest mates were boys, or tomboyish girls like myself. I tell you this, so that you’ll understand how disturbing the circumstances I’m about to relate to you truly are.

Up until 3 nights ago, I would have laughed in your face and possibly pushed you into a conveniently places wall or pot plant if you suggested that I, as a married woman, was part of the sisterhood.

What IS the sisterhood? I’ve a vague notion of boy bands, communal bikini-line plucking and talking about the joys of menstruation… and none of that really sounds like my cup of tea. It turns out though that I was wrong, and I didn’t realise it until I was betrayed. Until WE were betrayed, fellow lady friends.

My husband and I had another couple over for lunch. They’re probably our closest ‘couple’ friends (lets call them Bob and Betty) – I have my mates, Hubbie has his, but Bob & Betty are OURS. Anyway, we were watching TopGear and laughing at the silly car men when Betty came out with ‘you know, it’s so great that we women can get guys to do whatever we like, just by praising them.’

There was silence in the room (broken only by Jeremy Clarkson saying something faintly offensive about Bolivians), before I nervously laughed at the thoughtful looks on both men’s faces. Thankfully, at that moment someone drove into James’ May’s car, and the moment passed.

I sit here a little confused and disturbed at how strong my initial urge was to throttle her. I mean, hubby is a wonderful man, but encouragement goes a long way towards emptied bins, stirred sauces and fed puppy. I knew this wasn’t my secret alone, but I really hoped that a) I wasn’t being manipulative and b) that Hubby wouldn’t realise I actually was being quite manipulative.

By typing this, I realise some men will read it. And you know what? I think that’s ok, because guys have known what we’re doing the whole time when we praise, and they don’t mind. And that’s why I won’t have to collect the mail or clean up the coffee machine when I get home tonight.