How I Feel When People Stare at Me?!?!

[@martinekjlby9834]

once i was in a park where it is rollercosters and it was this young girl beside me in one of the rollercosters, she was propbably 9 years old. and i saw that she had scars where i have scares from my port and i asked the mother "does she have a port?" and the mother looked at me weird and said "no she has a cvc catheter" and i sad "i had that before,is she on tpn?" and the mother said "yes" i sad "im on that too" she tgen told her daughter that i used the same food as her. the daugther looked at me and she was really happy and said "do u" she was so happy to meet someone as her. u should have seen her face she was soooo happy

[@teganjacinta]

I work with people who have disabilities and I get this a lot. A lot of people turn to talk to me and I kindly let them know the ladies I’m with are able to communicate also. You’re doing a great job spreading awareness!

[@SpoonieEtte]

Thank you!

[@jlee5649]

Totally agree! Kids are lovely. They stare and ask. And think tubes are cool and different and 'wow you are eating out of that bag right now"?!!? Lol I have a g tube and a nj at the moment. I just give big smiles whenever i am out.

[@TheArtOfBlossoming]

I respond to stares with a genuine smile. For some this is enough to get up the courage to talk to you. Thanks for sharing this because it is important for people on both sides of the stare to connect in a positive way, even wordlessly and only for a few seconds. Sending a gentle hug from the UK :)

[@bc7350]

This is great! You're such a smart girl and I love your perspective on this. I never know how to respond or feel when curious kids stare and ask about my 2 year old in a wheelchair, but I love the way you put. You handle all of this so eloquently with such a big smile. I see God's light shining through you and hope my daughter can be as positive as you living with her disabilities 😊

[@karin7091]

I am 110% percent ok with people asking me questions, in fact, I welcome it. I am just not a fan of the quite whispering and the pointing and "stare-downs" that people think I can't see or am unaware of. I even have friends tell me that people are full on starring me down in stores and it's just as awkward for me as it is for you. Just ask me questions. I'm nice, I promise!

[@curtisbemis6640]

Absolutely agree on that !!! 100%

[@lqweenie7]

I bet a lot of stares are because of how pretty you are! I dont have any experience with what You're going thru, or know any one that does.. I watch you because of your personality, I always smile while watching your videos.. and like I said before, no matter what is different about you, I'd honestly find my self staring because of how pretty you are rather than anything else! 😊

[@ashtonleahall1791]

I absolutely love the questions I get asked by kids. I work with 1st graders at an elementary school and I had on both of my knee braces and one little boy asked me why I had to wear them. I told him I have a medical condition and I get hurt a lot. His response. . ."So, does that mean you get to ride the scooters at Walmart?" I laughed so hard, I love kids so much.

[@ambermosher420]

I can't wait to get my service dog and have people ask questions about my disability! Right now, I have no other aids for them to know something is wrong. If someone comes up and is genuinely curious and nice about it, I would love to answer their questions and spread EDS awareness :) Of course there's always going to be people staring and being rude, but you get that even if you aren't chronically ill! It's all about educating people and getting more awareness out there, and we're the best advocates for our illnesses!

[@billiebluesheepie2907]

Same, SAME, S.A.M.E!!! And yet I LOVE to talk to people about my specialist subject!!! Children are always the best. I usually talk to kids in wheelchairs too, mostly if their parents chat to me first :)

[@missD1998]

I definitely agree with all that you are saying; especially about how kids handle it best. I like the curiosity and when I tell them that I need the help to get around and they just say “oh okay” and then it’s completely normal. Adults can be the worst. I love your channel mickey! Hope you’re doing well. -From another zebra 🦓

[@emilybelton9061]

Your smiling throughout this video is so contagious!!!! I love your channel

[@lizziecs]

Fantastic video. I am so with you about wanting people to ask questions. I have Cerebral Palsy and vision impairment and rather people ask about my wheelchairs or crutches or whatever rather than ignoring me. It is the best when I am in public and people come up to me for directions such as at train stations rather than passing me and going to someone else.

[@emh9327]

I have Cerebral Palsy and I completely welcome questions. I was once in a shop and a older lady was like “did you sprain your ankle and your wrist?” I was like no I have Cp” she said “oh dear I’m sure you will be better soon you will be fine” and I didn’t know what to say except “i will have this for life but thanks” she was like “Oh dear” and walked on. She only noticed me because I walk with a limp and I fell over because I have bad balance. But I definitely agree with you that children’s questions are much better than adults. I love your videos 💛💕 xx

[@StephieBiebs]

I love this so much, thanks so much for sharing! I know everyone has different preferences but I don't know what to do when I see someone who looks different or has special help with them This really helps!

[@justmeashley7923]

51k!!! Holy zebras 🦓 Mickey!!!! Congrats. You grew like crazy this week!!! Wahooooo!!!

[@madison8568]

So for the past 5 years of my Chronic illness I have had some aspect being very physically visible and it has only multiplied over the past few years. I worked with an NJ tube from January 2017- July 2017. I was working 35-40 hours a week at Dairy Queen. Typically I just was in the back and made the ice cream or ice cream cakes but I did do the drive thru sometimes and people asked questions. Most people thought it was oxygen which I laughed about so much. I had one dietician and one nurse come through the drive thru and they recognized it immediately as an NJ tube (they could tell because of how deep in was in my nose) and asked what medical problems I had. Most people were just amazed I was working despite my health issues. It actually helped my joint issues and helped maintain muscle mass for me because it forced me to be active. I did have one lady ask me if I was on that feeding tube diet (yes there is a diet to lose weight with a feeding tube)..... I was like no I need it to keep me nourished, hydrated, and alive. People ask me if I am in a car accident a lot though because of all the braces I wear (typically ankles, knees, wrist/thumbs, and occasionally neck and back). I do rather people ask though because I would rather them ask then assume what is wrong. I had someone do that in 9th grade and they assumed I was making it all up. One of my friends told me someone was spreading that rumor and I shut it down really fast and also everyone knew it wasn't true.

[@IamJFlorezz]

You are truly wise beyond your years!

[@Max_N]

This is awesome! You're so knowledgeable and open. I love watching your videos! I find it hard to explain things to people sometimes because a lot of times people won't give me the time to respond. I'm also happy to talk to people but I don't look like it when people just come up to me and ask "What's wrong with you?" I have many health issues so I don't have one word answers to that question. People seem upset when I can't be like oh I have this, I'll be better in two weeks! I'm not trying to disappoint anyone with my answers. It's just that I can't always give them the answer they want. I agree that having someone take the time to talk to you is the best! I'm curious too! Parents should never scold their child for asking a question. I'm happy to explain why I use a walker or why I wear headphones all the time (I wear noise reducing headphones in public due to my sensory and learning needs) The happiest I've ever been is when I had a discussion with my friend who has a different disability than me. She just asked me how I feed myself and shower at home; then I asked her the same question. We shared our answers with no judgement, embarrassment or shame. Thanks for another fantastic video! Max

[@KatieDiLoreto]

Totally agree ❤️. When in my neck brace or hip brace children at Lena’s school we’re always asking, and were very impressed when I said I had metal parts like a robot.

[@ray_ayy]

Ahhh, first one here!! Hi Michelle - I really love your videos. They’re funny, interesting, informative, and your voice is super relaxing (weird, I know lol). Thanks so much for putting yourself out there - we’re all here on KZbin for you!! :)

[@swiftyoverfifty]

What’s even worse than stares is when people look at you, and then immediately look away when they realize we are different. Makes me giggle inside, personally. And YES! I’d love it if instead, they’d smile and ask us some questions!!! You rock! You remind me of a mini me!

[@Akitokun2023]

Jennie Logsdon Martin they don't for me

[@aimeeelizabeth5950]

you are so gorgeous and an inspiration I love you videos and your channel I have been watching like just your videos for a solid 3 day before and after school and I would just like you to know that you are so inspirational and just amazing I hope you live a long happy life and I hope you continue to make your videos and get the awareness of your illness out there because I had never heard of it before your channel and now I no a lot about it and I'm glad to know about it ... so thank you xx for making these videos xxxxx

[@oliverlikescats4736]

I hate stares from adults. I know theyre curious, but it's usually a selfish curiosity. I love when kids stare because I know theyre learning about disabilities just by being in my presence. Also I love when kids ask questions. However, most adults that come up to me are rude af. They say "was it an accident?" or "whats wrong with you?" It's like they have no filter. I love respectful questions like "why do you use that walker?"

[@chronicinokla]

I absolutely agree with you. I hate being overlooked like I'm not there

[@eldoran18]

I wear a giant KAFO because my leg is paralyzed and use a forearm crutch and I’m younger. Most people are curious and I don’t mind. Only irritates me when people send there kids over to ask what happened or they try to compare their knee surgery to my paralyzed leg. Other than that ask away.

[@laniemo7016]

I’m trying hard to get to this spot! Self acceptance with a chronic illness is so rough sometimes. When I used to use a forearm crutch or when I have a joint wrapped after a dislocation I feel like I just want to fade into the background. Yet, my “disability” is a big part of my life and has shaped my character so I know that it’s nothing to be ashamed of. 💕

[@LifewithStripes]

Lanie Mo Never feel ashamed about using the equipment that you need! You are still a beautiful person and it makes you unique. Use the opportunity not to hide but to shine and show others your strength!

[@joythroughjourney2074]

Lanie Mo You are right acceptance can be hard with chronic illness for sure. But you do you and don’t let stares make you feel uncomfortable. Sending fellow warrior well wishes your way!

[@laniemo7016]

Life with Stripes Thanks love! ☺️

[@laniemo7016]

Joy Through Journey Thanks girl! 💁

[@curtisbemis6640]

I myself am struggling to come to terms with my cronic illnesses and all the equipment that comes with them !!

[@craigfazekas3923]

You may well posess the opposite of what most people fear most (whether they know it or not). And that is to be ignored.... I believe that we all want attention, to be noticed, cared about & ultimately ? To be loved by others. I think you may well accept this for what it really is- a blessing. Bless your heart !! 🚬😎👍

[@maggienotfound1119]

Oh my gosh I can’t believe the life with stripes family is almost at 30,000 subscribers you have created an awesome channel love your channel ❤️

[@fromkaytozee8132]

I see where you’re coming from. I felt the same when back when I had my cane. But now that I have a service dog, my option has completely changed. Now EVERYONE comes up to me asking to pet the dog, what his name is, etc. After asking all about my dog, people will then ask if I’m training him, and when I say no, they’ll ask “oh, so what’s wrong with you?” In a way I miss the old days when people awkwardly stared at me with my cane and ignored me. But it is nice not to be ignored and treated like an alien anymore. I guess there are pros and cons.

[@brosista1462]

I hate the staring, but now you have put a whole new opinion in my head!

[@renyputman7118]

The staring is so awkward! Just a quick glance I'm totally okay with, we're human and curious, I still do the same. But the staring till you're out of sight isn't really okay. If someone is curious, ask! I always love how little kids react, they always play with my chair. The parents will always apologise but that isn't necessary, kids react in such a sweet way.

[@HikaruYamamoto]

If I was staring I'd likely be thinking in my head "wow what a beautiful brave young girl! I wish her the best!"

[@allie4680]

I totally agree! I’d much rather somebody ask about my medical conditions than just kinda give me a weird look 🙃 it’s a great way to spread awareness!!

[@joythroughjourney2074]

Yep! Completely agree! Thank you for your videos I love the topics you cover. Sending fellow warrior well wishes your way!

[@somedude172]

Adults kill me the way they act compared to children. I have juvenile arthritis, but I was misdiagnosed with some other disorder before that, and they thought that I had no cartilage in my knees, which made them hurt. The best solution to that was putting a brace on my legs that went from my hip to my toes, so I couldn't move my knees or ankles. Adults would stare at me for 5 minutes straight, but when their kid asked me about it, they'd yell at them. Like? I'd much rather explain it to some one than have them stare at me like I'm a freak. Looking is fine, I understand that. But when you're staring me down like I have satan tattoed on my face, it's kinda rude lol

[@ig7002]

This is such a sweet video. I'll remember this the next time i see someone who catches my eye.

[@missD1998]

Also I have a question, I don’t have a feeding tube so I don’t know a lot about them, do you have to do anything for swimming? Like covering it or does it not affect it? Just curious and want to know more

[@iamboxboy569]

I just got a feeding tube and it is water proof but i do not know if everyone is water proof

[@iamboxboy569]

every feeding tube thats what i meant

[@justinevdlh1922]

I sooooo agree with you!!! I prefer people asking me why I'm in a wheelchair than people just turning their head or worse, tell their children not to look!

[@PrincessMeganElsaBoo]

❤️😊 Be strong! 😊❤️

[@juanolvera7074]

It's hard for me to go in public I'm in a wheelchair ♿ and that's one of the reasons i don't go out but i have to when i have doctor appointments 😭 anyway i like your videos Mickey keep us posted 😉

[@HighTen_Melanie]

juan olvera Oh wow I used to feel like that when I first used a chair. You need to develop a “stuff the rest of the world” mindset. You have a right to go out just like anyone else. Having a sense of humor helps. I’m in a chair full time and have learned to deal with it by accepting myself. Once you can do this then you can do anything.

[@billiebluesheepie2907]

juan olvera I have use a wheelchair all the time so I wouldn’t be able to get outside without it and I LOVE IT! I have a hard time trying to accept my situation as my body falls apart so I definitely don’t have everything sussed. I saved up to get a lightweight one with chunky tyres and a ‘freewheel’ (an extra front clip on wheel that lifts up your small castors) to get over grass/gravel. It was a life changer! My favourite thing now is to go downhill pretty fast - I don’t always stop in time though!!! - Billie

[@SamirCCat]

I don't really mind the stares, but the judging and fear I can see in their eyes is what bothers me. I have severe mental illnesses and I'm covered in self harm scars. Children look and don't understand, teenagers look and know exactly what's going on. Elderly and immigrants look confused and unsure. But the "average" adult, god... They stare at my arms for a while, looks up to my eyes with that "I've read articles about people like you, it's a growing problem among youths"-stare and think they know my whole story and think it's horrible but somehow I still have to suit myself because I've done it to myself. I HATE those looks. NO! You don't know shit about me! First of all I'm 31 yo, not 18 even though I look like it. Second I'm not "the common borderline kid" that have a tragic story a few years and then goes on to live a normal life and maybe feature in some evening news article about how they magically got healthy and now wants to help others. No. I'm not her. Nothing like it. I know I sometimes read way too much into the looks. But I don't have a problem with the actual stares, or if anyone would ask questions, if someone wants to know - I've been spilling out my life in therapy every week for 15 years anyway, so I don't mind being private with strangers. But the way they think they know me, that I'm one of those girls, that I'm a "phenomena" and a "youth epidemic"... No. Just no. If they only knew...

[@Grimwalkerx]

There is no greater joy than having a sweet innocent child come up to me and want to ask why I have a cane or wants to just talk . I find it very nice and hope others do the same

[@theartistdrunkonart]

I'm curious.... where do you live? when i get a car i want to start traveling. maybe i'll stop by... if it's not far. :)

[@yukirose9925]

I think you are right. I would not feel to happy if someone looked at me weird.

[@medicalinthusiest2180]

Life with Stripes do you like the look of your crutch or would you like one the same color as your chair?

[@LifewithStripes]

Purple Butterfly If I had the option to have a colored one I definitely would! But I wasn't given an option ☹️

[@michelleshackle8055]

My little sister has hot pink crutches they had to special order them I think

[@medicalinthusiest2180]

Michelle Shackle your little sister that you adopted? Why does she need them?

[@monica2757]

so wise......

[@starducky72]

Nice video and great advice!!

[@shannongreenwell1278]

I have had people ask me why I use my cane or my braces and I would explain to them why. I don’t want to be made to feel like I have to be ashamed of who I am. I explain to them that I have EDS and the cane and braces are to help keep me safe. I got blasted out by my sister’s supervisor because they helped me get my job and my boss came to them and asked if I was going to be able to do my job because I was wearing my braces. I felt like I was suppose to be ashamed of how I am.

[@manamacphee420]

Mickey, you would literally make the best Disney Princess👍

[@roxanaportillo5993]

I hate when people Stare at me 😑

[@I_am_Knowledge]

Love your videos xx

[@drewharris7785]

Why do you have one crutch? Also I feel the same way about questions; I have a disability and I use a wheelchair and I'd MUCH rather answer a question or even a few questions than have someone just stare at me, adults and kids both. PLEASE if you or your kids have questions, go ahead and ask, in a nice polite way

[@annikazehm6589]

Question: how do you feel about the politically correct term, "Differently abled?"

[@millie-rosezoldan8587]

I love your videos so much! I also have EDS and much prefer when people come over and ask about it instead of staring. How old are you?

[@nikki10114]

Same thooooo i get mad but sometimes i ignkre it.

[@itzkat_herexxx3381]

I'm to shy

[@thechariotvii9259]

haha perspective is valuable

[@mel-mi5no]

I don’t like when people stare at me I have nothing wrong 😂😂 I mean I in a rude manner I think that’s to rude and I just Want to know whey there staring at me😂😂

[@allenleoantony7337]

You're amazing

[@franzpeters3824]

Thousands of people stare at you on KZbin.

[@jerryfabian4659]

Thank god im 100 percent healthy and everything and dont have to worry about any sick illnesses but people like u i pray for i have a family member that has a feeding tube hes young to and younger then you i dont know what kind of illness he has but his stomach will not let food do though his diaestive system but me praying for you and others come from the heart that i have as very good kind nice young man that i am keeping you in my prayers that one day this will all go away just belive in god hes the one that created each and every one of us in this world a d the parents are the one that had us so who can you blame for making you very sick with this illness you have the question to that is no one because its not your parents fought nor god its just a gentic gene that over time went bad and got worst over time i think though what cause it to get worse is when the doctor or nurses took you off them important meds witch may caused your body to get even weaker over time is there anything that i can do to help in any way please let me know and ill try to do my best here names jerry by the way

[@jenng3649]

❤️

[@bethanyd2046]

May I ask how old you are? I don't mean to be a creeper and I apologize if this offends you. Sending hugs! :)

[@artistrybyvr]

It looks like a flower crown

[@MissSavvySue]

💪👍👏💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💚💚💚💚

[@itzkat_herexxx3381]

I don't care I find nothing different

[@LifewithErin777]

Your amazing

[@georgemartinez4123]

I just tell them. Take a pictue it last longer.