I just got out of the hospital, and I'm thinking back to an incident from my second day there. A nurse walked into the room and told me she thought she remembered me. I reminded her that I'd been there several weeks ago as a frequent visitor.

"And I remember you too," I added. "You're the pretty one!" Even fading in and out on IV morphine, I almost immediately did an internal double take.

Here I am, a man of over 60, commenting on the physical beauty of a woman her late 20s or early 30s.

I quickly tried to make amends. "Sorry, that came out wrong. Actually, I'm gay, and I'm trying to come from a place of respect and appreciation."

She smiled, saying, "You're fine, really. Don't worry about it. And thank you."

I like to compliment people. I like to spread a little joy sometimes. But ingrained sexist habits can be serious obstacles.

Thanks for sharing your story your struggles to cope.