Today, a young person of perhaps fifteen, one of our neighbor boys, asked if I would like to buy a discount booklet. I just said “no thank you” without asking for more information, or being the least bit social, though I was at least smiling. The fact is that I was uncomfortable because of my speech impediment and poor communication skills. I was civil, but overly abrupt. I have encountered the same sort of reaction from other disabled people and struggle to not take such interactions personally. I strive to do better in my own interactions but I also need to be compassionate and understanding about the struggles of others.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Compassionate Understanding
Today, a young person of perhaps fifteen, one of our neighbor boys, asked if I would like to buy a discount booklet. I just said “no thank you” without asking for more information, or being the least bit social, though I was at least smiling. The fact is that I was uncomfortable because of my speech impediment and poor communication skills. I was civil, but overly abrupt. I have encountered the same sort of reaction from other disabled people and struggle to not take such interactions personally. I strive to do better in my own interactions but I also need to be compassionate and understanding about the struggles of others.
