People trying to "help"! And my reaction ....

Something I’ve noticed which really gets my dander up is being treated differently because I might look different. Just because I got older and my hair may have some gray in it does not mean that my mind my ambitions my intelligence has been diminished. I don’t want help unless I ask for it I want to manage my own life and I don’t want these things taken away from me or even attempted to be taken away from me. I’m speaking about family actually not people I might meet in the store or on the street but Family why is it because they become adults they have decided that all of a sudden I’m incapable. Keep the peace I say nothing and just go about my business but I admit I do not like my power my opinions diminished by others. It’s hurtful and also makes me quite angry.

OP you are not 'intelligent and well educated' if you snap at people who offer help. You are rude and ill mannered and intolerant.

Can you not say to yourself 'thank God people are showing kindness and concern for another human being, a stranger, who they perceive as struggling for some reason. They may not know the reason or your medical history but despite that they come forward. A smile and a Thank you would be courteous and polite. No need to be a bitch.

Yes I know this is an old thread but it has hit a nerve with me because I have been treated so unfairly in similar situations, more than once. It's unpleasant having your head bitten off just because you care and would like to help another's pain. Their snapping and nasty dismissiveness are examples of what was because of a huge ego. And far too much pride. I was brought up to at least show some concern if another person shows they may need help, so I do. If they don't need it that's great. Just to pleasant and we each go on our way. Because nobody caring isn't great is it.

Thing is I am an intelligent, well educated woman not a person who needs looking after

My Dad is an extremely intelligent, well educated electronics engineer who worked on government military contracts including the Polaris submarine and the Skynet telecommunications satellite, the latter including going to Cape Canaveral for the launches.

He's now 94 and has vascular dementia, so he needs looking after.
None of us knows what the future has in store, including you Hennahead

Gosh OP, you sound very angry. People wouldn’t offer to help you if you didn’t look like you needed help. I’m 67 and not once has anyone asked if I needed assistance.
Just smile and say “no, I’m fine thank you;” there’s no need to be rude. Perhaps you’re unaware of how you might appear to some people?

I am a similar age and recently travelled across London on public transport with a huge suitcase. I was absolutely amazed at the number of offers I had to help me with my case up and down stairs, on and off the tube etc.
Maybe I look older and more decrepit than I feel but by the time I got home I felt so reassured that people are mostly kind and helpful, was I insulted to be asked? Not a bit, just very very grateful and you can always smile and say “no but thank you”.

Nice young man helped me with my case at a mainline station, got me to the top of the stairs, then leapt over the barrier so he didn't pay his fare!

I'm in my 70s and it doesn't seem to happen to me unless I have baby grandson with me when people will hold doors open or offer to help me once and off buses or trains. I think it is kind and always thank them.

Thinking about it London is the one place I've had people, young men, offer to help with suitcases.

This post, or something very similar has been going around for yonks,