A few points of conflict with Jackie L's (Eilonnwy) article.

[Cego_Colher]

Also would love, just for myself, examples of shops she can’t get service in. You see, the only places I’ve ever walked into where a woman might be treated with some sort of “sugar, you don’t need that…” is a hardware...

I've never gotten that in a hardware store. last time I went in one I knew exactly where I needed to go to get what I want. (It's for art, however) my boyfriend was in fact a few steps behind me. he does that far too often— walks just behind me that it, hopefully it's just cuz he didn't know where to go. (when I notice I say "you're not my manservant.") and usually, including that time the cashier I go to is female and usually it just happens to be the closest or open check-out.
of course I'd be shit out of my mind to go to a garage, but I can't even drive. There is one around here that my boyfriend will go to if his car is broken, run by a woman named Pam and I just think it's badass that she can/will/wants to do that, so I call her "The Lady." I know that's kinda weird of me.

(sorry, I think I just have I need to type lots today syndrome.)