Putting People in Boxes (Figuratively Speaking)

I had someone do one of my biggest pet peeves directly to me yesterday.  They turned a very eloquently stated comment about an NFL coaching possibility into a "she's a girl" comment.  Essentially they teamed up with their little guy friends and laughed off the girl even getting involved in the conversation.  Instead of getting mad or getting my feelings hurt, I handled it as an educated TRUE sports nut would.....I gave a very clear and present conversation on exactly what my point was, backed it up and blew their statement out of the water.  And then...they were silent.

My irritation is not a women's right issue.  It's not an issue of color, gender, religion or anything else of the like.  My issue is with putting people in boxes.  My issue is with making assumptions instead of truly listening to what someone has to say.  It's not just limited to a male vs female issue.  It's an issue that covers everyone in our country so here's the deal....

Every single person on this planet is a unique individual.  They have different abilities and different qualities.  They ALSO have different interests.  Realistically speaking, just because someone doesn't look like a "typical" something, doesn't mean that's not exactly what they are.  I know a lot of women who will dress in heels and cutesie clothes on a daily basis and then are dirty camo-wearing hunters on the weekends.  I know a lot of men who are all biker all week long and still have a delicate tea party and let their daughters put makeup on them on the weekends.  For me, I'm a stiletto wearing arty smarty all week long but get me at a game (or even watching sports) and I'm a completely different creature.

Instead of trying to assume things about others, you'd go a long way to remember not to judge a book by its cover.  You never know what amazing things you're passing up by making judgments.