My daughter's disabled. Please don't look away from her

Re:My daughter's disabled. Please don't look away from her by gowld on Friday March 23, 2018 @02:14PM (#16661025)

Next time you're caught "maybe staring", try this: Smile or nod and then look away, instead of rushing to look away. You might be surprised how many smiles and nods you get back and return, and realize that most people are happy to have a moment of mutual acknowledgement.

The key is to consciously acknowledge that you were looking at someone, and realize that you are forced to "justify" your look -- was it innocent and friendly, or creepy and rude? If it was innocent and friendly, then commit to it! If was creepy and rude, you messed up, do better next time.

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Re:My daughter's disabled. Please don't look away from her by PJDK on Friday March 23, 2018 @02:54PM (#16661440)

If someone did this to me, I'd probably smile and nod back. But I'd also spend the rest of the day confused and worried why I couldn't remember who the person was who greeted me like a passing acquaintance.

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Re:My daughter's disabled. Please don't look away from her by eagsalazar2 on Friday March 23, 2018 @03:14PM (#16661638)

Lean into that uneasiness. In addition to a nod, give them a long meaningful wink also. Then instead of an awkward accident, you have a fun puzzle for everyone think about for years afterward. Practice this at bars when you accidentally make eye contact with someone and be at peace with the beautiful chaos that will 100% ensue.

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Re:My daughter's disabled. Please don't look away from her by gowld on Friday March 23, 2018 @03:45PM (#16661953)

That's OK. Maybe you'll see them again next time you go around the same way, and you'll remember this time, and you'll start building a relationship with your neighbor.

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