The Second Commandment

“Have you ever been pregnant before?”

Those were the words a man casually threw at me during a formal meeting. He did not wait for a response, he didn’t need it. He moved on as if my answer was irrelevant to the point he wanted to make.

Why did he even ask that if it was not a question for a proper conversation?

This was not just about me being female, it was his attitude — dismissive, rude, and condescending to everyone in the room. The arrogance, the unnecessary pomp, and the underlying belief that only he mattered in the scheme of things were astounding.

I have encountered rude people, but this was a new level. It made me wonder, why do some people feel entitled to speak to others without care or respect? Why do they think they alone are important? I was an external party, he didn’t even ‘know’ me.

What is ironic is that people who dish out disrespect are often the first to crumble when they are met with the same energy. They expect grace but refuse to extend it.

Initially, I was angry, so much so that I wished for an invisible hand to slap some sense into him. But then I chose a different response. I projected an unbothered attitude, one that said, “Your words have no power over me.” And guess what? He did not take it well. He began to complain, proving once again that ill-mannered people hate being treated the way they treat others.

Here’s the thing, we all deserve to be treated with respect even in conversations. It is not a luxury, it is a basic human right, male and female alike.

Some people think it’s okay to belittle others or speak without care, but we can take a moment to reflect, learn to unlearn toxic habits and treat others as we would want to be treated.

After all, that is the second commandment, isn’t it?

Food for thought.