Gosh I really recognise this… I’m over 40, female, white, have two small children, and live in Germany. I’m not German, but Irish. I think we’re so ’emancipated’ here, or think we are so, that we often forget what’s normal – common courtesy to help others who might simply appreciate it. In Ireland, it’s no big deal for a man to open a door for a woman – or vice versa. It’s also not an issue for men to run around assisting women with shopping, kids, jackets etc. It’s not because we know the other person can’t do it themselves, but it’s simply because we’re being considerate and nice! In Germany, the thinking is truly backward. Everyone has two hands and should fend for themselves, even if they need four… and two hands beside them are empty. Luckily … there are a few people like Lawrence (and I hope me/my family) who don’t accept it and want to pursue our own values. It just makes Germany a nicer place to be in.