An act of kindness made me feel old!

People have started to help us with our suitcases at the airport , cannot say I mind .

Foxglove77

Blossoming I've never knowingly made anyone feel small. What a strange comment. Besides she alighted before me.

I didn’t intend to hit a nerve Foxglove77, you have misread my meaning.

Young people today are often criticised as thoughtless or self centred. If they offer help to an older person they are being ageist and patronising. If they don’t offer help they are being ageist and rude. Damned if they do, damned if they don’t.

I was pleased that you managed to avoid either of these extremes by accepting graciously.

I shall get back in my box now.

In the opposite direction, a couple of years ago, checked in at an hotel in London with 2 of my daughters, both early 50s but not looking it. The charming young concierge took hold of both their cases and carried them to the lifts, leaving me, mid 70s at the time, to carry my own, trudging along behind them! I don`t think he did it intentionally, but my daughters thought it was hilarious! They still tell the story now.

A few years ago, my early 60’s, a chap offered me his seat on the tube. I politely declined, but his wife insisted, so I accepted graciously, but really felt a fraud.

Then a few weeks ago, starting to ascend the stairs at a railway station with a heavy suitcase, a youngish chap grabbed it and carried it for me. I was quite chuffed, as a friend with me was left to struggle with hers!

I'm always grateful for an offer of help, whether I need it or not, and whoever makes it. Mr A once offered to help a lady with her bags (because she looked a bit weighed down with things, not because she looked old!). The response was a very curt 'I'm perfectly capable', which put him off offering help to anyone for a while. Not even a thank you or a smile. We see her around now and again and just smile at each other and say 'She's perfectly capable, you know'.

How lovely that the young girl showed you respect and kindness. I’d be delighted, whether I needed it or not.

I've often been grateful for the kindness of strangers, most notably when I've taken a tumble and needed some help to get back on my feet. Getting on and off trains, I've frequently been offered assistance and accepted with thanks.

I've had offers to help with my suitcase on and off the train. The first time was a shock but now I
accept graciously, I don't need the help but the offer warms my heart every time

I tripped in the road and was picked up by two young girls, who then helped me pick my shopping up. It must have been well over fifteen years ago so I probably wasn't much more than 50 but I felt ancient ? I was a bit wobbly standing up because I bashed both my knees so that probably didn't help ??

I feel like that when drivers stop to let me cross the road.
I always think, I must look old.

Blossoming I've never knowingly made anyone feel small. What a strange comment. Besides she alighted before me.

How kind of her, I’m glad you refrained from making her feel small.