So much has to do with familiarity. I was raised in a family of smart and capable women. My grandmother was the director for La Casa, a shelter for women that leave abusive situations and need a safe place in transition. From a young age I heard about how some men were horrible in the ways they treated their families and I knew I'd never be one of them. I also heard of the courageous women that fled these men in hopes of providing a better life for their children.

I also happen to be very attracted to strong, intelligent and capable women. I found a great companion in my wife and lucky for me, strong intelligent and capable doesn't have to come at the expense of physical beauty. My wife is a Doctor, a one time chief resident, a former hospice end of life caregiver, a former teacher at a juvenile detention center, a mentor, a mother (damn good one) and a huge fan of music. She's the person I first play any new song for and the first to hear my podcasts. She's also the most critical of my work and is open and honest in her reception of it. -This is invaluable. There's nobody's opinion I hold in higher regard. You ask if she's on Hubski. She hasn't been in a very long time but she lurks it :)

Being a good and attentive father isn't something I do out of obligation, I do it because I enjoy it. It's the most fun thing I've ever done. Hearing your child tell you, in an unsolicited occurrence, that they "love you" is the most rewarding thing I've ever experienced. Sledding with my daughter, coloring with her, singing songs and playing "house" are things I feel fortunate to be able to do.

Also, from a professional standpoint one of the most capable leaders I've had in my business life was a woman. I learned a lot from her and I have modeled much of my approach to my work after her example. She's just one of many capable leaders that I've had that happen to be female.

Generally speaking, I can't imagine ever thinking that anyone is any less or more capable than I am based on gender. Just makes no sense to me. Now that I am the father of a daughter it REALLY makes no sense to me.

aside: Had a NYE party and a friend that has a son was over. I told him that we were considering having another baby and he said "cool, maybe you could have a boy" and my response was "why?"