Is it just polite conversation and birthday wishes?

I am not one to get offended easily.  But lately, I’ve become more irritated and slightly angered at the sexism going on in my life.  Maybe I’ve just become more aware of it.  Who knows. 

Here are some highlights from a conversation that set me off last week:

"I know I might sound sexist, but could you imagine if women ran the UN?"

"Yeah, every 28 days there would be a war."

"They would scream that they were PMSing."

Those statements made me leave the room–irritated, angered, offended.   I am not proud of my reaction.  I was asked if everything was okay; I came up with the excuse that I wasn’t feeling well, which was only partly true.

On another note, I recieved a birithday card a few months ago.  I’m not sure how to take it; I know that I am slightly offended. 

On the front of the card a close up picture of a woman with mouth wide open, appearing shocked, and the words in bright red: 

"The only word women fear more than Birthday:"

Inside, in bright red again, the word:

"Stirrups"

I have to say, I don’t believe my friend understood me when he gave me the card.  He thought it was funny.  At the time, I didn’t find it funny or offensive, I just plain did not understand it.  In fact, I thought the card was reffering to stirruped leggings or a horse saddle.  After giving it some thought, I began to realize that it referred to something completely different; that is when it hit me, I am a feminist.