Top 10 questions people ask

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I don't mind answering questions about my disability. However there are a few questions that are a little annoying and just a bit inappropriate. So here is a list of the top ten questions people ask me.

10) What is wrong with you?

I don't really have a problem with this question, only the phrasing. It is very rude to say that something is "wrong" with someone. If someone were to ask, "Why are you in a wheelchair?" then I wouldn't be offended.

9) Do you wish you could walk?

I understand why some people ask this, but sometimes it almost feels like people want me to feel bad. My answer to this question is no, I don't. Why would I want something that others complain about? I do not feel like I am missing out on anything.

8) How do you (insert simple task here)? 

I usually hold back my laughter when someone asks me this. I say so because it is always something that doesn't require the ability to walk. For example, "How do you open a door?" If I am in a good mood I usually answer jokingly.

7) Do you know so and so? They are also disabled.

No, no I don't. Despite what you may think, not everyone disabled knows each other. That would be no different than me asking if you knew someone because they are the same ethnicity as you. There aren't many questions I discourage people from asking but, please, stop asking this one.

6) Aren't you afraid to be out in public? 

No, but I probably should be, considering where I live. This is one that has caused me to really think because I live in a dangerous city. I have learned to take care of myself so this wasn't something I thought of until it was brought to my attention.

5) Can you walk at all?

 I can with crutches. That's it. I wish I had more to add to this, but I don't.

4) So if I stab or shoot you in the leg you won't feel it?

 Why? Why is that the first thing people think of? Every single time I tell someone I can't feel below my knees that is the first thing with which they reply. Another question that gets annoying. The nerves are damaged so, no matter what, I will not feel it.

 
3) How do you use the bathroom? 

  

Another one I will never understand. Why do you want to know? Besides, it is not that hard to figure out. If I can't stand, what other option is there? Think it through.

2) How do you take a shower? 

WHY. DO. YOU. WANT. TO. KNOW?!?!! I want people to stop asking this. Just to let others know, there are shower chairs.

1) Wait, so you can't feel your crotch? 

This is the next one that comes up after I tell someone I can't feel below my knees. My immediate response is "Do you know the male anatomy?" My crotch does not swing below my knees. 

So there it is, the top ten questions I hear. I hope this helps you understand what you should and should not ask. Have another topic for me to discuss? Let me know in a comment or message me on Facebook. :)

Editor: Esmé Nicolson-Singh (redsbreadslady)