Male Refrigerator Blindness

Not so long ago, my then 11 year old son asked what the picture image with above noted caption, stuck to our beautiful Kenmore 21.0 cu. ft. top freezer fridge meant.

My response went something like this: "What it generally means is when certain people open the fridge door looking for something to eat, they should move a couple items around rather than immediately chime out to the lady of the house, "IS THERE ANYTHING TO EAT!?"  Interestingly, women generally don't have trouble finding food in the fridge."  He understood how this related to him straight away because even though he is young and a quick study, he is still a man.

Of course, he is also delightfully good humoured:   Unequivocally advantageous to his understanding of said image!  Also of great benefit to him, is his willingness to listen with a humble attitude- essential to learning.

Now, don't get me wrong here.  I'm not just making this up or dissing men. According to the Canadian Medical Association Journal, there has been a thorough study of Male Refrigerator blindness. CMAJ December 6, 2005 vol. 173 no. 12: The Case: Three male offspring, aged 9–14 years, of one of the authors (M.B.) were observed to experience visual problems profound enough to imply functional blindness. The visual deficit was evident on almost every occasion when any one of the children of this physician went to the refrigerator and opened the door. http://www.cmaj.ca/content/173/12/1494

Regardless, he is still a boy and like many men still needs a woman to magically find the slice of pie or leftover ham from the night before. Oh right, it was on the middle shelf at the front! Not kidding.

My son has since determined that the fridge is an appliance to be conquered- not just a place of cooling on a hot day, or a white dictator forcing him to limit his options of nutrition; but rather the keeper of edibles of hidden goodness, delectable treats & deserving refreshment.

Having been taught this important practical, dare I say life-lesson, my boy is learning to take individual action prior to the instinctive reaction to shout out for human help- Ahhh blessed independence!  Seek and ye shall find. As long as he doesn't find my beer underneath the carrots.

ps- you can order this fridge magnet here- http://annetaintor.com/product/magnets/male-refrigerator-blindness-claims-another-victim

pss- slightly related to this blog post is some biblical truth- http://bible.cc/matthew/7-7.htm