We are used to some measure of equality these days, and are surprised when the burden of &quot;doing someone a favor&quot; falls so explicitly on random women.<p>As we go through life we end up finding the lines at which each of us will stop. &quot;Will you babysit my three children for five hours for free with no notice?&quot; &quot;Will you move so I don&#x27;t have to touch your tempting elbow by accident?&quot; &quot;Will you let me blow through this deadline at work so I can.... get an emergency consult about my new leukemia diagnosis? go to Disneyland? take a mental health week? hang out with my new girlfriend?&quot; I&#x27;m sure you&#x27;d say yes to some of these requests and no to others.<p>As so many office folks have said, &quot;A lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.&quot; We all have the right to decline performing such &quot;favors&quot; for others.