A little thoughtfulness goes a long way….

July 24, 2011

Like so many, my department is split between two floors.  The office building has an elevator, of course, but most people just run up and down the stairs between meetings.  Of course, not all of us can so easily handle a flight of stairs.  I’m still in between on that – some days I can, some days I can’t.

The other day, a coworker and I were headed to a meeting upstairs.  We walked out the main door, into the hallway, my coworker in the lead.  As she reached the stairs, she turned back and asked if I could take the stairs, or if I’d prefer the elevator.  I was amazed.  Sure, I’ve worked there for a while, but people forget all the time.  This simple gesture of thoughtfulness meant so much.  She actually took a moment to think about the fact that I might not be able to walk up those stairs, and was going to adjust her pattern to meet my needs.  I truly believe that if everyone could do that from time to time, the world would be a better, happier place.  Until then, let’s at least thank the thoughtful people who go out of their way to think of us in large and small ways.

Leave a Comment » | Educating, Kindness, Raves, Thoughtfulness | Permalink
Posted by chronicrants

Is it any of your business?

July 22, 2011

So I’m sitting on the T (our subway system over here), reading a book, ignoring my surroundings.  The woman next to me notices the braces on my knees and asks about them.  In hindsight, I should have pretended I didn’t speak English.  Stupidly, I gave her a vague answer and went back to my book.  She asked another question.  I gave another vague answer, then went back to my book.  She offered advice (“Have you tried magnetic therapy?”) and didn’t seem to get that my health issues were really none of her business.

Why is that that people assume that if they can see your problem, then they should get to talk about it, offer advice on it, comment on it? Really, just because you can see I have something that you don’t, it doesn’t mean I want to talk to you, a complete stranger.  While we’re at it, maybe I should ask you about your worst childhood experience, or your sex life.  Oh, is that too private?  Gee, what a shame.

And on a side note, a very pregnant woman got onto the standing-room-only train at around this time.  I wanted to give her my seat, but I just couldn’t handle standing up.  The nosy woman next to me never offered her seat.  Luckily, someone else did.  It’s nice to see there are still some considerate people.

Leave a Comment » | Educating, Insensitive, Intrusions, Rants | Permalink
Posted by chronicrants

Lucky?

July 21, 2011

Once again, someone said how lucky I am to be able to park in handicapped parking spaces.  Really?  You really think I wouldn’t rather have the ability to walk painlessly across the parking lot or down the street?  Whatever this is, it definitely isn’t luck.

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Posted by chronicrants

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