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Originally Posted by FizzyWater
I mention this not to be argumentative, but just because it came to mind. Sometimes being nice and helpful doesn't "work".
I once held open a (heavy) library door for a thin, pale, tired-looking bald woman wearing a kerchief on her head. (Sure looked like someone dealing with cancer to me). I got a HUGE rant in my face about she didn't NEED my help, did she ASK me to open that door, etc.... I was so stunned and literally shaking by the time I got to my car. (When I was younger I was horrible about dealing with confrontation - any form of it scared the crap out of me).
Twenty (or maybe thirty) years later, I walk with two canes when my knees are really bad, and there are some days when I hurt so much I just want to lay down and cry, and then another spunky youngster at work dashes in front of me to hold open a door - and I have to remember that stunned, shaky feeling and keep my mouth shut. (I don't always succeed, much to my shame).
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Are you angry because they held the door, or just because they're youthful and vigorous? I confess, I have moments where the mere existence of the latter will make me cranky. ;-)
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That's not to say don't be helpful or polite. It's just no guarantee that you'll get smiles and "thank you" back. In addition, we've been taught (in sensitivity training at work) not to offer help to folks in wheelchairs, etc., but to give them the dignity to choose to ask or make the attempt on their own. Not 100% sure I agree with that - but I can see both sides.
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I've heard/read that, but I just can't bring myself not to offer. I'm sorry, but if a lady or gent is in one of those automated carts, in the grocery, and they can obviously not easily reach something, I'd feel like a
schmuck if I didn't at least offer. I offer for perfectly healthy height-challenged people. Why not offer for someone who has additional challenges? Seems DAFT.
Yes, yes, I understand that folks want to be perceived as "not different." As capable, and all that. Does that mean that normal
politesse is verboten?
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Cinnamon scented incense gets rid of mice?! Really, does that work? I've never heard of that, but it sure beats traps or poison.
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Does that work? I'd love to know; we are always dealing with field mice at our other house, which is frequently empty. DYING to know this.
Hitch