Should you offer to help a woman who looks like she needs help carrying heavy stuff?

Question

I was walking down the street, and I saw some woman carrying what looked like a heavy suitcase. I could tell she had trouble carrying it because she was using both hands and always switching the way she was carrying it.

As soon as she noticed me, she tried making it look like she had no problem carrying it. I know where she lives since she's a neighbor, but I never talked to her before and didn't know wether to ask her if she needed help or not.

Answer 1

if you see anyone who may need help carrying something you should help them. whether it be male or female. i would do the same for a man...it's just courteous.

Answer 2

Yes, one should always offer to help someone who needs help carrying something heavy. The worst she could have said was "No, I'm fine." In which case, at least you tried and no one could fault you.

I do understand why you were hesitant to help her, though. So many people look at an act of kindness with suspicion, as thought there must be some ulterior motive. Hopefully, if enough people challenge this and do nice things for people, this can be turned around and people will be able to accept a kind, thoughtful act for what it is.

Don't be afraid to offer assistance if the opportunity presents itself. If a person is rude in response to your offer, it is they that have the problem, not you.

Answer 3

Yes! It is always right to be kind and good to others. When I was without a car I went to the grocery store on the bus and had to walk 4 blocks struggling with 2 bags I had put in a tote and two I could barely carry. A man saw me and asked if I could use some help. I was so grateful and I have never forgotten the kindness.

Answer 4

There is no harm in offering help. The bottom line is, she can refuse if she doesn't want it.

I usually offer help male or female, young or old, if I think I can be of an assistance. It would have been a good chance to talk to her for the first time and get to know your neighbor.

By the way, don't be offended if your offer were to be refused. Some people are very guarded that they don't want any help. Also, the person may be fearful in letting someone else handle their posessions.

Answer 5

It is always considered polite to offer assistance. Some will refuse out of fear. These days, so many take advantage of people. It is a shame but that is the truth.

On the other hand, I have been in a situation when I was on crutches for awhile due to a broken foot. I was amazed how insensitive some were.

Best advice: Don't stop offering help. You are kind to do so. Just keep your distance if they appear frightened.

Thanks for offering help. Older people appreciate it even if they may be fearful.

Answer 6

well as a mother w/ a 4 y/o and who often has to carry the child and the bags up the stairs, i can tell you i would appreciate it.

even if i only had one heavy bag or suit case. my neighbors have even passed me in the hall (we live in a 3 family house) and just walked right by or if I'm arguing w/ my son to get up the stairs and hold on to the sacks they will actually sit there and huff and puff.

haha sorry for the life story, but it felt good to vent. moral of the story is: yes help anyone you think may need it!

Answer 7

Yes. I always do. Especially women on the bus/coach with a pram/buggy trying to get on and off the bus and up and down stairs or escalators.

It actually could have been a good way of breaking the ice with your neighbour. Ignore the fear climate created by the feminists in normal male female neighbourly interaction.

It is a natural male reaction to women in slight difficulties.

Answer 8

Of course you should! Not that its bad that you didn't, but you should always help a lady out if you see she is struggling. Given that it is not a creepy dark back alley way, the woman will accept and be so greatful.
It actually annoys me when men walk past me and don't offer to assist with my heavy load or open the door... if a lady is right behind you, hold the door open... You don't have to go out of the way, just hold it open if shes around you.

Answer 9

It doesn't whether it is a woman or a man-it's nice to help out sometimes unless you know that the person doesn't deserve it ofcourse.But in your case I think you did the right thing because she pretendet that she is handling the carring well when she noticed you are looking at her.One more thing some folks might find it rude for you to help them out for two resons-1)They might think that you are trying to rob them 2)They might be one of those "I am independent and don't need any ones help especially from a man!"

Answer 10

Despite my strong political beliefs that have come about due to feminism and it's claims of female supremacy, I still offer to help a woman (and indeed, a man) who appears to be struggling.
In fact, I did this only tuesday gone. I was walking into my karate lesson and noticed my sensai struggling with boxes of items (new kits and the like).
So, I offered my help - and it was appreciated. Now, although it's only a minor act - he has a fraction more respect for me than he did 10 minutes prior to my offering assistance.

That doesn't imply I only did it to gain respect, not at all. However, with the exception of feminists (you can't even hold a door open for them without claims of sexism) nearly everyone you meet will always appreciate good manners.

Answer 11

If you even casually know the woman, then yes it is nice to ask.

If you see a woman like on the street or bus that is a stranger, you kind of have to consider the situation carefully. She might feel like her safety was threatened. If she declines, don't take it personally & don't quit asking others! With all the terrible things happening to women today, understand that we have to be cautious.