Handling Intrusive Questions: A Personal Perspective [wheelchair user]

As someone who has been a wheelchair user for 15 years, I often find myself on the receiving end of deeply personal questions from strangers. Questions like:

- "How did you end up in a wheelchair?"

- "How did your accident happen?"

- "What is your disability? And how did it happen?"

- "What happened to you?"

- "Why do you use a wheelchair?"

It's astonishing how frequently these questions come up, often within the first few minutes of meeting someone. Each time, I brace myself for the familiar feeling of, "Here we go again."

The curiosity of strangers can be overwhelming. Many people feel entitled to know the details of my personal life without considering the impact of their questions. This sense of entitlement can stem from a lack of awareness or understanding about disability and personal boundaries.

While I have come to terms with my situation, not everyone has. For many, these questions can trigger painful memories and emotions. It's important to recognize that not everyone is ready or willing to share their story, especially with someone they just met.

Ways I've Handled Intrusive Questions

It's perfectly okay to set boundaries. A simple, "I'd prefer not to discuss that," can be very effective.

Shift the focus to a different topic. For example, "I'd rather talk about something else. How about we discuss [insert topic]?"

If you feel comfortable, use the opportunity to educate the person about why their question might be inappropriate. This can help prevent future occurrences.

Having a go-to response can make these interactions less stressful. Something like, "That's a personal story, and I don't share it with people I just met," can work well.

If you meet me on my sad days asking me these questions can get you in trouble ??

If these questions become too overwhelming, seek support from friends, family, or a professional. It's important to take care of your mental health.

Society must develop a greater sense of empathy and respect for personal boundaries. Before asking someone a deeply personal question, consider how it might make them feel. Reflect on whether the information is necessary for the conversation or if it's simply satisfying your curiosity.

Intrusive questions can be challenging, but by setting boundaries and educating others, we can create a more respectful and understanding environment. Remember, you have the right to privacy and share your story on your terms.

Let's work together to foster a culture of empathy and respect, where everyone feels valued and understood.

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. How do you handle intrusive questions??

#DisabilityAwareness #Empathy #Respect #PersonalBoundaries #Inclusion #Advocacy