The funny thing about women

[5105973]

51 year old Black female! I don't think anyone see's us when they think Tech!

My husband and I would. It was a black woman who mentored him in the IT field and set him on the path that landed him the high level position he holds now. Unfortunately she passed away about 14 years ago. She'd have been in her mid 50's if she were still with us. She was a tech nerd extraordinaire and a wise, wonderful and funny lady and is sorely missed. We owe so much to her.

My husband has had some brilliant women of many races and ages working in his group as developers and IT managers over the years. Oddly enough I think he's always a little surprised when he encounters a female who is NOT interested in technology. His mom is in her 80's but he got her trained to use a PC and then transition to IPads and IPhones. She's brilliant and takes to tech quite well while his dad was always rather hopeless with it. So I do think that maybe skewed his perspective in favor of thinking women are interested in technology unless they declare otherwise. I'm 48, by the way.

 

[flur]

Because it was not my intent to exclude anyone. I simply took what I had experienced and went from there. Is it biased? Well of course, but then is your comment and everyone else's as basically everything you might say comes through your experience and filter of perspective. How can it not be.

But was what I said framed with the intention of excluding anyone. No. In my experience guys are mostly tech and gadget freaks and women are not. However I am 43 and while a stereotype that may still hold true for my generation whereas it may not for other generations. And any statement like that is a generalization. So what.

The truth is that the discussion in this thread made me and probably some other people realize the fallacy of that assumption.

And not owning a mobile phone. Going with 'uh weird' on that one.

Honestly, it would be helpful if you just gave an honest apology. Because this is not that.

What you intended is irrelevant. You made a sexist post. It's great that you learned a little from it. It would be even better if you admitted to being wrong in the first place. And it would be absolutely fantastic if what you learned could change how you see the world, and the women in it, and in your life. Because we don't conform to stereotypes any more than you do, and no one should be subjected to them. We're all just people, more alike than we are different, irrelevant of gender.

 

[Gimmi]

Honestly, it would be helpful if you just gave an honest apology. Because this is not that.

What you intended is irrelevant. You made a sexist post. It's great that you learned a little from it. It would be even better if you admitted to being wrong in the first place. And it would be absolutely fantastic if what you learned could change how you see the world, and the women in it, and in your life. Because we don't conform to stereotypes any more than you do, and no one should be subjected to them. We're all just people, more alike than we are different, irrelevant of gender.

Well said, Flur!

 

[roland.g]

Honestly, it would be helpful if you just gave an honest apology. Because this is not that.

What you intended is irrelevant. You made a sexist post. It's great that you learned a little from it. It would be even better if you admitted to being wrong in the first place. And it would be absolutely fantastic if what you learned could change how you see the world, and the women in it, and in your life. Because we don't conform to stereotypes any more than you do, and no one should be subjected to them. We're all just people, more alike than we are different, irrelevant of gender.

Not sure what you are looking for or would expect. But I have said what I have to say. You don't know me and really have no basis for assuming what I need to learn to change or not change how I see the world, women in it, in my life, etc. If you realized that this was not about stereotypes but about different types, and I simply didn't address the women who may be in a similar situation to my own, etc. And that's it. I am not subjecting you to any preconceptions and I would venture that if you think you do, you are simply projecting some other issues onto me because of your interpretation of something I wrote and how you internalized it.

I understand we are all just people. But your statement that I made a 'sexist post' and I need to learn how to see the world suggests you think you know who I am when you don't. I believe that what I have said is adequate.

At this point, we're done.

 

[GimmeSlack12]

I tried the developer  Watch we got at work, and I think it's even more pointless than I originally thought.

So does my wife.

 

[Gimmi]

[...] Don't get me wrong, I love my wife, but I wish sometimes (ok more than sometimes) that not only did she get this about me, but that she shared it with me.

 

[Ladyberyl]

51 year old Black female! I don't think anyone see's us when they think Tech! 1st Black woman in space was in 1956 Mae Jameson now that's some serious geekness!!

55+ black female here and loving my watch. My 80+ year old black aunts also want one. Yeah, they have compatible iPhones. There are plenty of women geeks around.

 

[Mymosa]

My husband and I would. It was a black woman who mentored him in the IT field and set him on the path that landed him the high level position he holds now. Unfortunately she passed away about 14 years ago. She'd have been in her mid 50's if she were still with us. She was a tech nerd extraordinaire and a wise, wonderful and funny lady and is sorely missed. We owe so much to her.

My husband has had some brilliant women of many races and ages working in his group as developers and IT managers over the years. Oddly enough I think he's always a little surprised when he encounters a female who is NOT interested in technology. His mom is in her 80's but he got her trained to use a PC and then transition to IPads and IPhones. She's brilliant and takes to tech quite well while his dad was always rather hopeless with it. So I do think that maybe skewed his perspective in favor of thinking women are interested in technology unless they declare otherwise. I'm 48, by the way.

That is so awesome that he has been around such a range of women in the tech field I know it can be hard for them because of stereotypes. I am sorry for the loss of your friend but glad she was able to share so much with you both.

 

[Mymosa]

So it looks like a few awesome things came out of this post:
1. Dont assume that the non tech person is the wife (or for that matter what the genders of the partners are)
2. There are a heck of of lot of women on here (which is great to know and I thank the OP for bringing us out of the woodwork!

I'd love to have a tech women thread but then would we be called sexist?? I have met and bonded with some awesome people over Apple tech. There was a girl who was getting her PhD in Biology or a related field and I was still working on my Doctorate in Social Work, and we had a great talk about string theory over the night in line for the IPhone 5s.

This is what I've always loved about Apple since my first computer an Apple IIC, it's always been a thinking persons company. I used to look forward to getting MacWorld magazines and the free disks with programs they used to have. And the Apple user groups. Ahhh the good old days!

So I guess since we have hijacked this thread we see the real title is "the funny thing about a non-tech partner"

And not waiting for a 38mm I have my 42 SS w/ classic Black Buckle I got launch day, and I'm impatiently waiting for my 42 SSSB that I ordered at XX:03:46 and still hasn't shipped. I'm glad I got the "appetizer" watch to hold me over till the real deal comes! (Probably good I am single I don't know how the two watches just for me thing might have gone over!!)

 

[priscilla55]

59 year old female here and a die hard early adopter of tech. Nothing I love better than a new gadget and the watch launch day definitely felt like Christmas Day to me!

I'm also household tech support, set up any electronics and networks and keep up to date with tech news.

My 89 year old mother also loves her PC, tablet and mobile phone and spends too much time on Facebook.

My husband couldn't care less about tech, constantly needs help with computer issues or setting things up on his phone. However, he does tolerate my tech-love and never objects to a new purchase.

I've taken early retirement but I do voluntary work in the IT department of a local hospice. It's all female.

Frankly, I had no idea men could do tech....

 

[sb22]

I am the 28 year old pole dancing wife.

i bought apple watches for the both of us, 2-3 minutes into preorder, and gave free choice to what one he wanted. Even sent him to apple to try on watches.

Cost? Pah!

 

[Wrathwitch]

Interesting question. (recently married female here).

Firstly, both me and my hunny have good jobs and can afford the occasional indulgence. However, since we are trying to start investing for retirement, emergencies, a possible future move where one of us will lose their job, we consult each other on purchases above 200.00. If it's something I REALLY want he doesn't care and vice versa.

Something like a 900.00 watch (depending on what you are getting) there are factors to consider:

1) will you be happy with this investment in 2years time (I use this based on how quickly I get bored with cell phones and get the new "itch"). I mean face it, that is a lot of money and 1.5 mortgage payments.

2) is it something you REALLY want, can you justify why? Is it something you Need or can you live without it.

3) can that money not go to paying off existing debts (if there are any), if it is cash in hand that's not bad, but is it going on the credit card and adding to debt that we are trying to eliminate?

I am more of the techie in the house for mobile tech, but we are both gamers and have pretty pumped out PCs (and my one iMac). All of this adds up.

Oddly enough I could care less about a smart watch Apple or otherwise, probably because they are just so damn big for my wrists and I am not permitted to wear them at work AND for me the cost doesn't justify the decay rate (meaning you just KNOW that in a year or max 2, they are going to refine the hell out of these watches) and this years model will look like something from fisher price by comparison. I spent 900.00 on my current phablet and have to ride it out for 2 years to justify or at least get return for my cost. 1 year is too steep for that kind of price point, although I wish it weren't so.

So to answer your question, if he just came home with the watch in hand, I would disapprove, if we discussed it prior and it was feasible then I would relent but I would wish to ensure all of the angles above were covered.

 

[djpraize]

51 year old Black female! I don't think anyone see's us when they think Tech!

TWINS!!!!! Except I'm married, so that has limited the amount of Tech I own. Although I have probably bought and sold and bought as much tech as you have kept.

To answer the original question however, my husband is NOT techie. He thinks JAVA is coffee, and only until recently did he learn how to set a digital alarm clock. ALL his tech comes from my advice. He rolls his eyes at first, then he starts to enjoy it. He does not understand the watch at all, but he loves the iPad mini I gave him.

 

[JBUGGY]

::waves::
Hey!! Another over 40 Apple techy gadgety woman here (married 22 yrs) and well, hubs and I are HARDCORE APPLE people!!!
We've had every iPhone, iPods, countless iPads, Apple TVs, iMacs, MacBookPros, and now AW's!! Lined up outside Apple stores in the mid of the night.....watched every keynote, Apple related movies/bks. (although hubs has beat me to the bks). btw, I've also had 2 or 3 Kindles...but haven't used in awhile...not in the reading mood. Other than MR!!

Every Apple launch or preorder we are BOTH up together pre-ordering whatever it is Apple has to offer. (Take our money! LOL!!!)

So ya, this launch was NO different...BOTH up at midnight here...ordering...Although LOL I later canceled my sport order, opting for SS. And hubs decided to cancel his original order for SS, to SSSB link. Which he won't get till July. poor guy!! I got my 38 SS WSB a wk ago.

But yep, I LOVE LOVE LOVE technology as does my hubby! We are always telling the other ..."did you see they're coming out with...." Or "hey I read on MR, ...." "Hey we need to get ..... gadget.." Always sending each other Apple, techy/gadgety emails with the latest and greatest! We are so nerdy that way!!

We upgrade our phones, every yr or every other yr, depending on the features. So if we pass on 1 yr, we def upgrade the next. We are opting to pass on the 6s+, but reading the rumor of Rose Gold..<gasp!> and Force touch, ummm lol i don't know....we shall see!

Must point out, I'm ALSO a girly girl, my other loves: PURSES, n NAIL POLISH <<my other 2 BIG obsessions, n makeup!!!

SO ya, nothing like getting decked out with my bags, and nails to match!! LOL, and accessorize with my watch!!! AWESOME!!! Best of both worlds LOL!! <3

!!!!!!!

ps. To your other poll.....#3 BOTH!!!!!!!!! but ya that's a given ^above LOL!!

 

[5105973]

That is so awesome that he has been around such a range of women in the tech field I know it can be hard for them because of stereotypes. I am sorry for the loss of your friend but glad she was able to share so much with you both.

Thank you. We do miss her so much. I'd love to hear what she would have had to say about the Apple Watch.

You had the Apple IIc? Goodness how badly I lusted after that computer! It was so powerful and sleek. I remember drooling over the previews and reviews. But we were really poor (compared to a lot of people in my high school). I could barely scrape together my college tuition so I ended up with an Atari 800XL plus peripherals bought on clearance. My dad bought me that and some programming books for it. He could not buy me much in those days, but he was real excited to find out he could afford to get me a computer for college after all! I never had the heart to tell him about the IIc or the cost!

Unfortunately I lost my momentum with computers. I had a boyfriend encouraging my interest in them and encouraging me to switch to a comp sci major, but I had to quit college during my second semester for awhile when my mom got sick. When I could return, I was just not the same person. I got a job helping grad students in the Botany Dept. and nearly switched my major to Botany. I regret that I caved to family pressure and didn't.

Then I met the boy who would become my husband and it turned out he had gone through the IIe vs IIc battle in his mind. He decided on the IIe, which we still have up and running! I think maybe it didn't help that the future hubby was clearly a genius with computers. Next to him, I felt a bit dullwitted about computers and dropped further from my former interest in programming and delving into the guts of machines. But that was something I did to myself. My husband was actually dismayed I'd hamstring myself that way. I did get into robotics by myself for a few years. I liked exploring artificial intelligence.

These days I've got a male Internet friend (whom I've also met in person and have known 20 years) who is getting me interested in RC copters and drones. But I can't get seriously into them yet because it's an expensive hobby and we need to get our daughter outfitted for the sports she's starting to get into.

I'll conclude by saying that I do have only good things to say about all the boys and men in my life who always encouraged me to embrace technology and sports. Not counting internet trolls, I have been blessed to never have run across a man who discouraged my interest in technology in any way. I hope my daughter is as lucky as I was to meet great male friends and mentors and partners who will encourage her to pursue her interests unencumbered by stereotypical notions.

----------

JBUGGY, your post made me grin from ear to ear! I love your enthusiasm!

 

[JBUGGY]

Thank you. We do miss her so much. I'd love to hear what she would have had to say about the Apple Watch.

You had the Apple IIc? Goodness how badly I lusted after that computer! It was so powerful and sleek. I remember drooling over the previews and reviews. But we were really poor (compared to a lot of people in my high school). I could barely scrape together my college tuition so I ended up with an Atari 800XL plus peripherals bought on clearance. My dad bought me that and some programming books for it. He could not buy me much in those days, but he was real excited to find out he could afford to get me a computer for college after all! I never had the heart to tell him about the IIc or the cost!

Unfortunately I lost my momentum with computers. I had a boyfriend encouraging my interest in them and encouraging me to switch to a comp sci major, but I had to quit college during my second semester for awhile when my mom got sick. When I could return, I was just not the same person. I got a job helping grad students in the Botany Dept. and nearly switched my major to Botany. I regret that I caved to family pressure and didn't.

Then I met the boy who would become my husband and it turned out he had gone through the IIe vs IIc battle in his mind. He decided on the IIe, which we still have up and running! I think maybe it didn't help that the future hubby was clearly a genius with computers. Next to him, I felt a bit dullwitted about computers and dropped further from my former interest in programming and delving into the guts of machines. But that was something I did to myself. My husband was actually dismayed I'd hamstring myself that way. I did get into robotics by myself for a few years. I liked exploring artificial intelligence.

These days I've got a male Internet friend (whom I've also met in person and have known 20 years) who is getting me interested in RC copters and drones. But I can't get seriously into them yet because it's an expensive hobby and we need to get our daughter outfitted for the sports she's starting to get into.

I'll conclude by saying that I do have only good things to say about all the boys and men in my life who always encouraged me to embrace technology and sports. Not counting internet trolls, I have been blessed to never have run across a man who discouraged my interest in technology in any way. I hope my daughter is as lucky as I was to meet great male friends and mentors and partners who will encourage her to pursue her interests unencumbered by stereotypical notions.

----------

JBUGGY, your post made me grin from ear to ear! I love your enthusiasm!

^HAHA! Thx! Ya, I get a bit excited...! keyword: bit? LOL!
btw, Love your username, and your avatar! LOL omg love "Grumpy Cat"! Seen the stuffed animal of him a few months ago, I def need! (cuz ya I'm also a "grumpymom") lol He would look great on my desk/vanity area. Also have Grumpy Cat wallpapers for my iph, when I'm in one of my grumpy moods! HA! He's so cute!!

 

[bunnicula]

::waves::
Hey!! Another over 40 Apple techy gadgety woman here (married 22 yrs) and well, hubs and I are HARDCORE APPLE people!!!
We've had every iPhone, iPods, countless iPads, Apple TVs, iMacs, MacBookPros, and now AW's!! Lined up outside Apple stores in the mid of the night.....watched every keynote, Apple related movies/bks. (although hubs has beat me to the bks). btw, I've also had 2 or 3 Kindles...but haven't used in awhile...not in the reading mood. Other than MR!!

Every Apple launch or preorder we are BOTH up together pre-ordering whatever it is Apple has to offer. (Take our money! LOL!!!)

So ya, this launch was NO different...BOTH up at midnight here...ordering...Although LOL I later canceled my sport order, opting for SS. And hubs decided to cancel his original order for SS, to SSSB link. Which he won't get till July. poor guy!! I got my 38 SS WSB a wk ago.

But yep, I LOVE LOVE LOVE technology as does my hubby! We are always telling the other ..."did you see they're coming out with...." Or "hey I read on MR, ...." "Hey we need to get ..... gadget.." Always sending each other Apple, techy/gadgety emails with the latest and greatest! We are so nerdy that way!!

We upgrade our phones, every yr or every other yr, depending on the features. So if we pass on 1 yr, we def upgrade the next. We are opting to pass on the 6s+, but reading the rumor of Rose Gold..<gasp!> and Force touch, ummm lol i don't know....we shall see!

Must point out, I'm ALSO a girly girl, my other loves: PURSES, n NAIL POLISH <<my other 2 BIG obsessions, n makeup!!!

SO ya, nothing like getting decked out with my bags, and nails to match!! LOL, and accessorize with my watch!!! AWESOME!!! Best of both worlds LOL!! <3

!!!!!!!

ps. To your other poll.....#3 BOTH!!!!!!!!! but ya that's a given ^above LOL!!

I love this post. It made me smile.

My husband is an Enterprise Architect, so he's more of a techie than I, but he's been slowly converted into an Apple fan and I've done it purely by example. And stealth. LOL.

I agree. I can love my gadgets AND my purses, shoes, and makeup! And, I do!

 

[JBUGGY]

I love this post. It made me smile.

My husband is an Enterprise Architect, so he's more of a techie than I, but he's been slowly converted into an Apple fan and I've done it purely by example. And stealth. LOL.

I agree. I can love my gadgets AND my purses, shoes, and makeup! And, I do!

Aww, thx! That's nice!
Good job in the converting dept!! slowly but surely....hehe!

Yep, no rules....we can have & LOVE both!

 

[jaymc]

Way to be biased. I'm a female so thanks for assuming that everyone on here is a man. I am way more tech'd out than most men I know. Forget shoes and purses and clothes, I'd take another computer or tech gadget any day. Some people binge eat when they are sad..I head to the computer store.

I have camped out for every iPhone since the first one, and I have been a true mac person before it was fashionable. I used to love going to the computer swap meets and picking up the newest programs on the 5" floppy disks.

I have 4 Windows tablets 2 macbook airs, one macbook pro, 2 windows 8 touchscreen laptops, 3 windows desktops, I'm down to only 1 IPad, The IPhone 6+, I got my 42 SS Classic Black Band delivered on launch day, and I'm still waiting on my 42 SSSB.

Does my Playstation 3 and 4, and my Vita also count? How about the all region DVD player so I can watch my old school KungFu movies subbed not dubbed region 3 dvd's?

Not to mention I may be old enough to be your mother if you're in your 30's. Sorry some of you got the wrong partner. I couldn't be with someone who doesn't like tech or would give me crap about how much I spend.

I work hard and life it soo short. I do like to cook though and hate sports so I guess that's girly.

Okay that was a long enough break from obsessively checking the status of my watch due May 13 - 27th.

Get over yourself. His opening statement mentions how guys say this or that about their significant other/wife's. If you want to see how the opposite gender thinks ... make your own poll.

 

[Mymosa]

Get over yourself. His opening statement mentions how guys say this or that about their significant other/wife's. If you want to see how the opposite gender thinks ... make your own poll.

I think we did "get over it" and made our own poll!

----------

I love this post. It made me smile.

My husband is an Enterprise Architect, so he's more of a techie than I, but he's been slowly converted into an Apple fan and I've done it purely by example. And stealth. LOL.

I agree. I can love my gadgets AND my purses, shoes, and makeup! And, I do!

Ok I'm not going to lie I have so many coach bags I could open a store, and me and Tiffany's silver jewelry go wayyyy back!

 

[leenak]

I only have a man in my life, no women. My man doesn't want an Apple watch. I offered to buy him one but nope.

 

[*GeekChic]

Get over yourself. His opening statement mentions how guys say this or that about their significant other/wife's. If you want to see how the opposite gender thinks ... make your own poll.

We've pretty much got that covered, thanks. How about you get over yourself and read alllllllll of this thread? Maybe you'll learn something too, like the original poster did.

 

[flur]

Ok I'm not going to lie I have so many coach bags I could open a store, and me and Tiffany's silver jewelry go wayyyy back!

Haha, me too. I've taken my ipad with me to the Coach store to make sure it fits in the bag I want to get, LOL. And the husband knows that if he forgot to get me a birthday or anniversary gift he can just take to me to Tiffany and let me pick something out.

 

[Javabird]

Way to be biased. I'm a female so thanks for assuming that everyone on here is a man. I am way more tech'd out than most men I know. Forget shoes and purses and clothes, I'd take another computer or tech gadget any day. Some people binge eat when they are sad..I head to the computer store.

Not to mention I may be old enough to be your mother if you're in your 30's. Sorry some of you got the wrong partner. I couldn't be with someone who doesn't like tech or would give me crap about how much I spend.

This.

And I work in a tech support field so I'm used to people assuming only guys know anything about tech. I'm the one everyone in my family asks when they need help with their tech stuff.

It's used to be funny going into a computer store with my son and the salesperson would always talk to him and ignore me.

 

[nicoarro]

It seems that quite a few people on here are remarking on their wife or significant other getting her watch before his own kind of thing, with some mentioning wearing their watch until their wife's arrives. This I guess is in part because of the fact that the 38mm may be in less demand and so as most women would go for the smaller watch, they are shipping sooner.

And there are a few comments about guys who don't want their wife to see the CC bill with their Apple Watch on it as she wouldn't approve.

I apparently ended up more with the latter. The tech 'meh' wife, rather than the 'me want tech' wife. My wife could have upgraded her iPhone 5 in December but still uses it and ironically reads a lot of iBooks and Kindle books on it, and has no interest in getting a 6 or 6 Plus. Even when I explain that after I sell her phone unlocked the net cost will be negligible. We may even make a few bucks.

So she will never want an Apple Watch. And she gives me crap for my fandom and gadgetry. Funny how she doesn't complain when she forgets to set the DVR to record a show and I can do it from my phone while we are out or any other numerous things that I can 'magically' do.

For those married or long-term relationship guys - are you with a woman who has/wants an Apple Watch or one who is more likely to give you crap for having/wanting one?

EDIT: this was suppose to be a poll. But the forum decided to send it to oblivion. So no poll. - For me the obvious answer is - give me crap for having/wanting an Apple Watch.

1. Wants/Has an Apple Watch too.

2. Gives you grief/crap for wanting/having Apple Watch.

3. Could care less either way / thinks it's cool but doesn't want one.

I'm a woman and my husband doesn't care what I buy. It's my money anyway so I wouldn't listen to him if he complained. I ordered a watch but he didn't mostly because he doesn't wear a watch. I upgraded to an iPhone 6 and he's using his iPhone 5S. He only upgraded to that phone because I gave him so much grief about using an old iPhone that was giving him problems. He's not "techy" but I am.