Priority seats & MS - they can't see it, only I can feel it

[anaishunter]

I take public transportation every day and it always brings an interesting dilemma as I use a priority seat if no regular seat is available. (Of course, if an older, disabled or pregnant woman boards the train, I offer my seat. I am not a jerk about it).

It's interesting to observe others' look - from disdain to indifference. I am not disabled and not visibly impaired. If needed, I can stand, but it helps me a lot, especially at the end of the day to be able to sit for the 1/2 hour train ride.

... and I'm done feeling guilty about it. Just a new MS experience.

[jimeka]

You shouldn’t be made to feel guilty , you have every right, but others have a way of giving us the condescending look. Stand tall, blessings Jimeka 🤗

[greaterexp]

That misplaced guilt is a bummer, and I suspect we've all felt it. I even once took my cane into a store when I probably didn't need it, just to avoid any looks from others or guilt on my part for parking in the handicap spot. I just know my limits with walking. Now I'm trying to look at it as a chance to educate someone who judges me about what it's like to have MS. I may not change their minds, but I'll feel better. We never really understand what life is like for someone else until we walk around in their shoes for awhile. I guess we just can't worry about others' lack of understanding, for it really is their problem, and not ours.

[anaishunter in reply to greaterexp]

greaterexp thank you for putting words to describe feelings that I did not know how to explain.

[mrsmike9 in reply to greaterexp]

I have done that as well!!

[rjoneslaw]

I guess I'm different before my disability was visible I didn't care if someone judged me. If we walked around reacting to everyone's judgement about us we would be miserable and we wouldn't enjoy our life. We shouldn't have to explain ourselves to everyone around us