Yesterday after leaving the office, I stopped by Periplus to pick up a book. I overheard a man in his 50s making a request to his wife: "Sayang, tas itu berat. Sini aku bawain."

Suddenly, I was reminded of every time I used to ask the very same question to my girlfriend whenever I saw her carrying groceries or a heavy bag. I’d offer to help.

And every time, we men would get the same response:

"Gapapa, aku bisa bawa sendiri".

It's silly how men often feel obliged to help, while women assert their independence.