Before I went to college my dad told me that although I was brought up to believe that the world should be a fair place, life would always be more difficult for me just because I’m female. I remember not wanting to believe it at the time, because I wanted so much to change it, not live with it. Since then I’ve realized that it’s not just other people who have to change, I had to change too, in positive ways. This N.Y. Times article, which I hope is making the rounds given that it’s topping the “most emailed” list, touches on every critical realization in my career (and it cites the studies that show I’m not unique). 1) Displaying negative emotions (anger, sadness) at work has more detrimental results for a woman than a man. 2) Women are worse than men at asking for raises and promotions, and often don’t even realize they need to ask or they won’t receive. 3) A woman’s clothes and appearance will get noticed, for better or worse. No, life isn’t fair, but at least we have some clues about how to even the playing field.