One way street?

[eng188]

Walked about a quarter mile to the local Ralph's supermarket to get groceries. On my way back, this somewhat older guy walked to me from points unknown and asked permission to carry my bags home for me. I declined, trying to do so politely, but I was breathing a bit hard, which can make my voice carry. So he probably felt a little offended, and thought I was scolding him.

He explained that he had seen me walk from Ralph's, and pause a time or two. Which I did. This was to allow the person coming at me on the sidewalk the right of way. I was, therefore, just trying to be helpful in my own way.

The guy who offered me help snickered loudly at this. Either disabled people can't be thoughtful of others, or we're just not supposed to be.

His snickering really rather annoyed me, but I was happy that he asked (rather than grab my bags), and happy than when I wished him a good day at the end, he sincerely wished me the same.

I dunno. Just venting, I guess. I think I need some brekky. English muffin time!:)

[misty]

I'm glad he at least asked. If some random guy on the street just grabbed my bags I'd probably think he was robbing me and punch him in the face before he had time to explain he was "helping"! Haha!

[LisaJoy]

I was once in an airport and my carry-on was a bit over-laden with books. It was a large shoulder bag, not a roller bag. I had shifted it from my shoulder to my hand just to change positions. Some random guy came up from behind me and took the bag without asking -- he said "let me help you with that" and fell into step with me. I have to say, I was extremely grateful because I really was struggling. But I was also taken aback and started at first -- for a split second, I did think he was stealing my bag! (He would have been very disappointed with what he got -- lots of academic stuff).

[LisaJoy]

Oh, and I should add that I have gotten into some funny exchanges when traveling. I think it has happened to me in both DC and NY -- riding the subway and having an elderly person try to give me their seat and me refusing; basically having a polite argument. In those cases, I figure I'm less likely to be hurt if I were to fall. The non-funny part is that there's almost always several people around who should have given both of us seats.

[angel]

I think courtesy is a two way street. I am the same way if i can hold the door open for someone I always do. If someone drops something the i don't hesitate to help them pick it up. I guess some people look at me funny and feel akward when I do things like that to help but kindness is kindness. I have realized the world's perception is there are "there rules" and "our rules" which is total BS. I just live my life the way I feel is right not everyone understands that.

Angel

[misty]

Lisa Joy,
I ride a bus from the parking lot to the building where I work every morning. There are huge signs that say that the front seats are priority seating for the elderly and disabled. Sometimes it seems like everyone watches me struggle up the steps to get on the bus and nobody ever moves. I've had the same riding the bus routine for a year and a half, and I think someone has given me a seat twice. But they treat the elderly people that get on the same way, so I guess I can't complain too much. Okay I'm done whining!

[Dodger67]

I often pick stuff up off the ground for others - I usually "joke" about it by telling them "Well I'm much closer to the ground than you are."
Its perfectly true, I can reach the floor with very little effort - just lean over sideways a bit and I'm there.