I am visually impaired,what should I do when a stranger asks about my medical state?

Question

It's really none of their business but I don't want to be rude in return.

Answer 1

Be glad people are asking you about it, someday, and lets not hope soon, people won't care about it. IN the old days, they would have treated u like a freak and made you an outcast. Get the picture? Stop making fun of people simply because they are trying to understand you OR you will be a freak.

Answer 2

It is really none of their business.  I would reply with "Why do you ask?".

Answer 3

Im 16 and am hearing impaired. Its should be none of their buisness, now sometimes, ppl do ask me about why I wear hearing aids and I politely tell them. Just depends on who you are, if you are not comfortable, just tell them nicely. Like say, im sorry I wish not to say.

Answer 4

If it's a stranger who just seems crudely curious, just say something like, "How nice of you to ask" and give them a wry smile.  Believe me, the conversation will stop there.

If it's a child who simply doesn't have the vocabulary or social know-how to deal with the situation, just say something like, "I have trouble seeing as well as most people" and change the subject abruptly.

Answer 5

Not all people are necessarily being rude or trying to get into your business. When something is "different", it is natural to inquire and inspect about it. Also, it's helpful to know about one's impairment in order to be considerate when dealing with that person. It saves a lot of embarrassment too. Can you imagine how I felt when I realized that someone was hearing impaired after dealing with her for four months? She was so good at hiding her problem, and I did not suspect anything. Hence, I was not considerate towards her and I always thought that she had problems in grasping English (her second language)... I also thought that she was hesitant in talking because she was not fluent at English... It would have been so much better for both of us had I known about her case earlier. Also, it would have saved us both a lot of trouble...

Anyway, it's your choice whether you want to discuss your case with others or not, and to what extent you want to do that. The best thing to do is to say "I prefer not to talk about this" or "I don't feel comfortable discussing this" if you don't want to discuss your case.

Answer 6

Why would a stranger ask such a question.."? they may ask ''How are you'' but I never heard a stranger ask someone who walks around and seems ok ''what is your medical state of health..''.. I am sorry but I don't understand why someone would ask.. I would say.. '' Sorry, is there a reason for you asking me this particular question?"

Answer 7

I guess I'd tell them that I was born that way (if that is the case).  I am hearing impaired.   I don't necessarily think that ppl are being rude, they are just curious.   Unless you're uncomfortable or ashmed what does it matter if you give them just the particulars?  You don't have to give them your life story, but minor info doesn't hurt.  Besides it may be an educational experience for the person in question, with that they might walk away with a better understanding of how a visually impaired person views the world.

Answer 8

They just don't know what to say when they realize, so they awkwardly inquire.  It's probably not malicious.  We all have to be polite at times when we don't want to, but you're right, it's none of their business.

Telling one guy it's none of his business, isn't going to make the next guy not ask.

Answer 9

I agree with "Why do you ask"