Thread: So, was I rude?

To get a definitive answer I think you'd have to address the guy concerned (and even then you couldn't be sure). For what it's worth I think you did the best that you could and it was pretty good actually. The fact that you're questioning your response to a previously unexperienced situation speaks well of you as well.

Let me start this by saying my father is blind and what you did was absolutely wonderful. I hope you mentioned your name to him so he knows who helped him.
You are correct about not everyone with a cane is totally blind, but enough so that they need the cane. When I am with my father and he is following me, if he has his dog, the dog leads, if not he places his hand on my shoulder from behind and I just walk. Some of his freinds prefer to take my arm. Either way is fine.
I think what you did was wonderful and I'm certain so did the gentleman you helped. There are several ways to handle working with a stranger who is blind. If you would feel more comfortable, next time ask the person if he would like to take your arm, or place his hand on your shoulder. Those are the two best options and i am certain they will let you know what they prefer.

Once again, you did a wonderful thing and I think if you ask any visually impaired person they would agree.


I owe you one from the top shelf.

Cheers!!

Originally Posted by Utopian

... I lightly grabbed his shoulders and put a little pressure on them to indicate the direction he needed to rotate. ...

Well done!! tu

While tis person was't d he was't deaf and heard all the people walking past him. That rude of all those people. For future reference I would enhance the encounter by just telling you are going to take his elbow and point him in right direction. I'm sure he had a very nice story to share with his friends about the encounter.

I know times change however back in the old days if a blind person needed some assistance when you spoke to them they would extend their elbow which meant they wanted you to guide them by their elbow. If they didn't do that it meant they didn't want your help.

I don't know if that is still practiced or not these days.

Originally Posted by Utopian

So, how bad was it?

You should be asking him instead of us

Or to put it another way - maybe he took it as rude and maybe he didn't. The way people receive rudeness is not always based on your true intentions, but what they perceive them to have been - however, he said "Thank you" so if I had to, I would guess he did not think you were rude

situation like this doesn't happen everyday . it was sudden and on your mind what you did was right.
you try to help.
That is all matter.
I don't think he will be offensive etc .
Only next time you meet the blind person take him/her to the destination please.
As you know now better then anyone else blind will need more help then just direct him to some point.He will get lost again,again and again.
thank you for help Ron.

Gentle and caring human touch is a benevolent gift. As you describe it, I think you did well.

I think that you did well by even the highest standards and since he thanked you and didn't scorn you while he walked away I think that he appreciated your help.

To the OP: Ya done good.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I know times change however back in the old days if a blind person needed some assistance when you spoke to them they would extend their elbow which meant they wanted you to guide them by their elbow. If they didn't do that it meant they didn't want your help.

I don't know if that is still practiced or not these days.

I can only speak for my Dad and his friends. They prefer to hold you this way they can follow which is easier for them