Woman Refuses To Give Up Her Seat to Elderly Lady Because She’s in Recovery From Major Surgery, Teaching the Lady a Lesson On Snap Judgments

Author image for Lana DeGaetano
Lana DeGaetano • "Show me to me please."
Oct 19, 2024 5:00 PM EDT

Any type of recovery is tolling on us both mentally and physically. The idea of being bedridden for a certain period of time is daunting. A lot of questions arise that might make us feel insecure about what we're going through. What are we going to do with ourselves? Are we needing too much from others? Do I even look like I'm in need of care or special treatment?

This is all to say—don't judge a book by its cover. The woman in this Reddit story was expected to give up her seat for an elderly woman simply because she didn't look like she needed a seat. The elderly woman was quick to assume the original poster (OP) was simply being selfish, but she actually needed to sit down because she had recently undergone reduction surgery. As ladies, we know just how uncomfortable and painful the recovery process is for this type of procedure. This day, the OP taught the elderly lady a lesson on snap judgments and to never assume the worst in people. Keep scrolling to read the full story.

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    I got dressed in a cute outfit and did my makeup because even though I'm recovering from surgery, I want to still look and feel good.
    via Unsplash (Shubhankar Sharma)
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    Elderly Woman Gets Mad at Me for Sitting
    via gingerella19
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    So some important information: I (33F) underwent breast reduction surgery for health purposes 2 weeks ago and have been recovering. What this means is that my chest area is very sore and I am very sensitive to things I
    via gingerella19
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    issue (i.e. driving over a pothole in the road or standing for too long). My partner and I went to one of our favorite diners for breakfast because it was his birthday. I'm not able to do much now while recovering so I offered to
    via gingerella19
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    at least pay since he'd have to drive us both. Two older couples (I would estimate they were in their early 70s) walked into the (very small) waiting area. It was chilly outside so I don't blame them one the bit, however, there was
    via gingerella19
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    nowhere to sir when they came in. I was sitting in a single chair by the door and normally, I would absolutely offer my seat to one of them out of consideration. However, I remained sitting because due to my recent
    via gingerella19
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    reduction surgery, standing for too long does, in fact, make my chest sore, and I wasn't sure how much longer I'd be waiting. Now, the way the waiting area is situated you wait in line rather than put your
    via gingerella19
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    name down on a waitlist. The closer to the door you are sitting or standing, the sooner you get sat. It was a bit confusing when we first came in but it got explained to us and we took our rightful place at the back of the line.
    via gingerella19
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    So when a group who was already at the door got up to be seated by the hostess, it opened some space on the bench nearest to the door. Those of us who had already been waiting all started
    via gingerella19
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    shuffling down the bench in the seating area, moving us closer to the door. However, the elderly group immediately sat down, not knowing they were technically cutting in line. Myself and the other
    via gingerella19
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    couples tried to politely explain how the queue worked but one of the elderly women interrupted us by loudly announcing, "Well, you should just let my friend sit because of her age, you know," then gave me a nasty side-eye,
    via gingerella19
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    rolled her eyes and shook her head at her friend as if we should all be ashamed of ourselves. One of the families who was waiting with us tried explaining, again, how the queue was organized but she wouldn't hear it. I
    via gingerella19
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    finally said, "I'm sorry, I would have given you my seat but I'm still recovering from surgery and can't stand for long periods of time. I'm sorry." It got VERY quiet until, finally, the same lady said, "Well, do you want to sit
    via gingerella19
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    here-" and I just stopped her and replied, "No, please, I'm fine where I am." We all waited in silence until it was our turn to be seated. Moral of the story: don't assume someone in a seat
    via gingerella19
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    isn't sitting there because they don't look like need it. I got dressed in a cute outfit and did my makeup because even though I'm recovering from surgery, I want to still look and feel good.
    via gingerella19
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    I was raised to be considerate and offer my seat to those who are elderly, pregnant, or injured. However, if I'm injured, I have the right to remain in my seat. Please don't assume the worst about others. I've heard so
    via gingerella19
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    many stories that are much worse than mine about people who are disabled getting flack for "not needing" things such as park spots, electric scooters, or other accommodations as much as other people because
    via gingerella19
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    they don't "look disabled", which is totally unfair. I'm only recovering from a surgery temporarily. I don't have to live with this every day, but others do. Let's learn to put aside our
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    entitlement and give others the benefit of the doubt. And if we truly need help or consideration, ask. That's how you normalize better treatment of others.
    via gingerella19
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    ihateus... 16h ago • • As someone with an invisible illness, I feel you. I just keep sitting. It's less of an issue when I have my cane. Even then, people look surprised, I do not care.
    via ihateusernames999999
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    emr830 16h ago • • Guess time and age didn't teach her any class.
    via emr830

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boomer entitlement lesson lessons entitled people karma life lessons baby boomers boomers entitled lessons learned r-entitled entitled people
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