Being around handicapped people are mentally disabled people makes me uncomfortable. I don't know how to get past this.
2007-07-17 08:53:19 · 12 answers · asked by Carmela ©1973 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I meant to say "or" mentally disabled.
2007-07-17 08:55:11 · update #1
Kiwi-I didn't mean to offend...I swear. I just feel like icky. I don't know. I do divert my eyes, and leave as soon as I can, but I don't hate them or anything. I just feel weird is all.
2007-07-17 09:01:30 · update #2
No, as a matter of fact, I think, you're a good person because you admit you are uncomfortable and you seem to want some help. And you actually feel bad about this.
Someone has already said, "Treat them as you would anyone else." That's the best idea. Be friendly, speak up. I used to feel the same way you do, but now since I started working with the public it's easier for me. One thing to remember, offer help but don't try to take over whatever they are doing.
2007-07-17 09:09:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
People who are different can make us uncomfortable. People who speak different languages, different generation, different in some other obvious way - yep. that's really common.
Try to look for something you have in common - even if it's just blue eyes or that you both like the color red. You'll find it easier to handle.
I know of one man who has cerebral palsy - who is perhaps one of the sexiest man I've ever met. Holy crow! Seriously, if I weren't already attached to one of the most wonderful men in the world - whom I truly adore - this guy would be in real trouble - crutches and all!
And when I was younger, I used to square dance a lot. There was a couple who were both mentally challenged. Both were good dancers and we often featured them as good dancers - not as our token challenged couple - in our public performances. Everyone loved Tim and Katheryn.
2007-07-17 16:23:30 · answer #2 · answered by Barbara B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you treat them as you would anyone else, they will greatly appreciate it. I have often overlooked a person's handicap and just talked to them. You never know what you might learn. Take Steven Hawkings for instance...one of the greatest minds in the world, but totally handicapped!! Hmmmmmmmm....I know it takes getting used to, but if you are a kind person, you can't say the wrong thing or do something wrong because your kindness will show through.
2007-07-17 16:03:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know how to answer this. I felt offended when I read it. Why does it make you uncomfortable?
Because you don't like these people? Or because you don't know how to talk with them?
Think for a minute... how do you think that handicapped person perceives you, if you divert you eyes and get away from them as soon as possible? Is that comfortable for them?
2007-07-17 16:00:04 · answer #4 · answered by kiwi 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don't think you are really uncomfortable because you just don't like them. I think you just don't know how to act around them because they are different. Personally I have a heart for people and especially children with special needs.....and what I have learned is SOO many of them experience neglect in their life and are so starved for love and attention because a lot of parents don't want to deal with the hassel so they just let someone else raise them......just start by saying Hi......they really have kind hearts and are built just like you and me....just with some minor differences........saying a simple hello might just make their world.....or even a just start with a smile.
It breaks my heart when people make fun of them and unless you do that you aren't a bad person.
2007-07-17 16:03:20 · answer #5 · answered by Heather B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no, you just don't have experience around them. I used to work at an assisted living facility for elderly people and i loved it! it made me very comfortable around people over 80, 90, you know? its just different than what you're used too. try to treat them like normal though so that you aren't acting weird and they don't feel funny cause you're acting funny.
2007-07-17 16:02:05 · answer #6 · answered by chaispicetea 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know what you mean. But, that does not make you a bad person. but i must say many handicap people are sweet and very loving.
2007-07-17 15:57:11 · answer #7 · answered by lil_mz.cherry 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, sociologists will tell you that it is normal for an individual to feel uncomfortable around people who seem unfamiliar or different from themselves.
2007-07-17 15:57:15 · answer #8 · answered by learydisciple 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No...It happens to me too. I don't hate them, but I just can't get the pity out of my expressions. And I don't think showing pity to disabled people are appreciated. Indeed, I think they would want to be treated just like normal people.
2007-07-17 19:36:28 · answer #9 · answered by Bored-In-Lab 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i doesn't make you a bad person at all. i'm a nurse and get uncomfortable around them sometimes....it's human nature...give yourself a break.
2007-07-17 16:48:10 · answer #10 · answered by bella36 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋