"When we get crazy, it just ain't right" --the Eagles

[Women can be delightfully complex]


This is a public service for the gentlemen in the audience.

The topic: Chick traps.

A note of explanation on the term: (No, a chick trap is not Narm's roofie-tini.) The term comes from a former boyfriend who, when faced with an impossible question from me, was wise enough to recognize impending doom and abort, declaring "Chick trap!" Meaning: no matter what he said he'd get in trouble, so all he'd respond with was "Nope! Not going there. Chick trap!"

And, really, I've never heard a guy pull this kind of behavior so maybe the name is deserved? Or maybe I'm stereotyping and I just need to be educated. Either way, perhaps we can all be a bit more aware and recognize a trap when it's set for us* because there are definitely questions for which there are no good answers.

A recent conversation that illustrates...

Hubby, arriving home and speaking to me from across the room: You've been home all day?

Me: Yeah.

Hubby: And you're wearing a bra?

Me: Yeah. Wait... how do you know I'm wearing a bra?

Hubby: *deer in headlights*

Me: Well?

Hubby: There's no good answer to that question.

More obvious examples of chick traps:

• Which of my friends is the hottest?
• If you could change one thing about my appearance, what would it be?

Extended dance-mix chick trap**:

• If I were dead, would you remarry? (Yes --> You mean someone could take my place?!, No --> So, having been married to me, you don't like marriage?!)

These are just a few examples. If you've been in relationships for even a week you'll, no doubt, have your own.



*Yeah, I could stop laying traps but where's the fun in that? Besides, it's an opportunity for the male of the species to improve his agility. Quick reflexes are a must in today's competitive environment and tough economic climate. So, really, it's a favor. Um, yeah. Let's go with that.

** Which you can do the chicken dance to, if you so choose.