Everyone is really nice to me when I have my kid(s) alone. The guy at the corner store where I get my beer almost always gives a free candy bar, middle-aged women touch my arm and say "good job, dad".
My wife seemingly gets none of this, and if anything maybe some subtle judgement. Is this a universal experience?
I've never gotten this, despite living in a small town where small talk with strangers is de rigueur.
My wife is much whiter than me and the kids look like her, so maybe that has something to do with it.
Hmm, interesting. So not universal. Ethnicity could certainly be the reason.