DC girl, As the saying goes, Different strokes for different folks. I am sorry to hear that you take such gesture as a means to subjugate women. It was totally not my intention. If you look beyond the households of clans, Bijaykumar and hakims accepting ghush, Namaste has a more prevalent implication in context of our nepali society and many villages for that matter. My namaste slips out before my id, ego and superego have a chance to contemplate about it. My reference to the female peers was based on my sole experiences, where I was often frowned upon by the fairer sex who believe the need to *hug* as the only means to show your comfort and the breaking of the ice. And often there's a slight reference as being "PAKHEY." But just like you, I see namaste from an entirely different perspective. I have never thought in terms of sarcasm, belittling and insulting. It is however good to live in harmony with all our differences. :)