“You can … even though you’re like that?”

**PSA: I’m only sharing my truth and my perspective.

It’s been way too long since I’ve blogged, but today I was inspired by a comment that was made to me today by a middle aged stranger at a gas station.

What was the comment you ask? “You can drive even though you’re like that?”

To paint the full picture for ya, I’m backing up a little here.

1. I teach social skills

2. I was in my car shutting the door after a kind gas station employee assisted me with pumping my gas.

3. I’ve had an unknown variant of Muscular Dystrophy since birth.

Ok, now that we are all clear on the above items, I can continue.

I’m not judgmental, but since I teach social skills all day I often find myself evaluating other people’s social skills. This is a great quality to have when you’re in a romantic (or any) relationship, right? 🙄 Anyway, I thought this curious stranger should have at least said hello or read the nonverbals of me closing the car door, but I get it, he was curious. Don’t get me wrong, I’m more than fine with people asking questions, I even encourage it, but let’s be a little more tactful.

As I’ve mentioned, I’ve had my physical disability since birth, it’s my normal, and I don’t think about it 24/7. So when he asked me, “you can drive even though you’re like that,” I had to pause (only for a second), and ask a clarifying question. I was respectful when I said “like what.” The curious stranger then said “with your arms.” I looked at my arms, and quickly replied with a yup. He was so shocked, and kept telling me how awesome I am. Well, thank you, sir! 💁🏼‍♀️ *see foot note

I hear these types of questions all the time, but take a look at the title of this post. Go ahead and insert another word/phrase instead of drive, and imagine how annoying, disheartening, or undesirable it sounds. It’s all these times I wish people understood that I can do pretty much everything you can, but differently.

Thanks so much for reading and feel free to ask your tactful

yet curious questions; I’m here to educate!

Xo Jess

*see future blog post for how I should have responded.