I'm living with some girls up here in the arctic now. One of them told me yesterday that she was not made of sugar when I asked if I should carry the shopping basket. I think the response came because I always offer to carry stuff when going to or from field sites for example so I guess maybe she feels I'm treating her as if she's weaker than she really is. There could be some underlying psychology at work here .. My "ask to carry response" is pretty automatic. I definetly feel like I'm supposed to act this way, do so almost on instinct and I see it in other guys as well.
Part of it must be training from my GF though. Pack mule for her and occasionally her friends is one of the roles I have in our relationship
Part of it could also be nature, I guess, as guys should like to show girls how able they are. Then a huge part would be upbringing/social environment of course!
What do you girls think if someone always ask if they can carry heavy stuff for you? Would you be flattered or offended?