As a man, you might find this a funny blog for me to write, but I am often reminded by my female clients and business associates that there are still some differences when men travel versus when women travel. As a man, I have seen it and I have been a party to it. It seems to be in a man’s nature to expect to be treated a certain way or to demand it. It is not always in a women’s nature. When a woman behaves aggresively, they are considered a bitch, but when a man behaves this way, he is considered an aggressive or shrewd businessman. Our editor, Lisa Matte, was a longtime believer that everything was the same. That was until we had lunch together at Legal Seafood in Boston. We were at a three top table, myself, Dick Evans (GT VP) and Lisa. She had arrived early and had been seated and it was not until Dick and I arrived that we were asked if we wanted drinks. The waiter took our drink order and did not ask Lisa. I had to call him back. She was shocked as no one had come to her until we arrived and even after that she was not asked for a drink. On many occasions at restaurants, I have been treated by female clients and the bill comes to me, even after the credit card has been given. And the wine list ALWAYS comes to me and, in fact, most of my female colleagues are far more wine knowledgeable than I. Eunice Fried, our wine consultant, is an excellent example. I never forget watching a businessman negotiating to get on a full flight. He never raised his voice, but kept telling the gate agent how important it was for him to get home for various reasons. She indicated that there was a long list ahead of him and that he was most likely not going to get on the flight. He was never rude, but insisted, speaking in a low, but firm voice. And, guess what – he was the first standby passenger to get a boarding pass. He jumped the list over 10 passengers at least. I can tell you that as a man, the flight attendants do seem to pay more attention to me. I have been on flights with female colleagues in business class where I have seen the differences in treatment. I remember specifically on the now defunct SABENA Airlines where I was sitting on the opposite side of the business class cabin from my two female colleagues. I went over to visit them and they said to me “Isn’t the flight attendant a bitch?” and I responded, “No, she has been quite nice to me.” During the flight I made sure I waved over to them whenever the flight attendant was offering me wine or something with a smile. They were just boiling mad…and they should have been! Some say that it is what you give back – if you are nice and pleasant, then you get the same in return. I have seen it in restaurants, in planes and in other locations. I would love to hear your comments! -Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO