As women we learned to multi-task at a young age.  If we had younger siblings, we often had to look after them in some way, to keep them entertained and not bothering our parents.  We also often had to learn household tasks such as cleaning and cooking.  (More young boys are now learning these things, but the expectation is still that the female will be the one who looks after these things.)
<p>
Do you know why women are so good at problem solving?  It is because it is a big part of our everyday life.  In the mornings we have to make sure that each child has their lunch, their lunch money, the right shoes and socks, their homework, their breakfast, cookies for special events, etc., etc.  Then in the evenings, after working out all day, we spend the drive home thinking about what we are going to serve for supper and who has to be where at what time and is there enough time to make a big meal or will we be eating “on the fly” to get kids to their various activities?  We wonder, “Do I have to stop at the store to pick up anything?  Do I have enough money to get groceries or snacks or whatever is needed?”  Men, on the other hand are usually thinking:  “I’ll be glad when I can get home to relax with the newspaper/a drink/the TV.”  Their brains are ready to shut down while women’s brains are still spinning.  Women are focused on making sure that everyone has what they want or need before they consider doing anything for themselves.
<p>
How many times have you been going to do something for yourself – even if it was only to sit quietly with a cup of tea or coffee – when someone came by or called and asked you to do something?  When this happens, more often than not, you sighed a little and then said, “ok” or “no problem, I can do that”.  You likely didn’t say:  “I’m sorry I don’t have the time at the moment”, or “Let me get back to you.”, even though that might have been what you wanted to say.  Or, we just sit down and then we jump up, remembering one more thing that needs doing, and then we’ll just sit down and relax.
<p>
For instance, as I was writing this I sat down with my Chai tea, picked up my pen and started to write.  Then I realized I hadn’t eaten anything yet, so I got myself a bowl of cooked cabbage, which I had just finished making, and then I went to rinse the dish and thought, “Oh, I should do these dishes.”, so I did.  Then I came back to the table, to my cold Chai tea and an unfinished article, so I took my tea and put it in the microwave and picked up my pen.  As soon as I’m finished writing I will go upstairs, put on some make up and head off to the church hall with my six pies and see what they need help with for our church supper.  
<p>
My microwave beeped a little while ago, so I’ll get my tea and head upstairs now to change.  
<p>
See you later!!
<p>
Fran
</p>