heather
April 7th, 2009, 12:52 PM
What should I do when my PWP gets irritated at my offers to help?
Most PWPs cherish their independence precisely because they are in the process of losing it. If you are receiving strongly negative reactions to offers of assistance, it's wise to balance your sympathy for the PWP's difficulties with respect for your right to be treated civilly. Gently remind the PWP that you cannot read his or her mind. Explain plainly and without anger or defensiveness that your offers of help are not meant to embarrass or diminish him or her, but come from your desire to make life a little less difficult.
In the long term, it is worth asking the PWP for some guidance as to when to offer to help and when to leave the PWP to go it alone. This will not eliminate the problem completely, but it can help reduce the frequency of misunderstandings and remind the PWP that a diagnosis of PD does not come with special license to treat others without regard for common courtesy.
Most PWPs cherish their independence precisely because they are in the process of losing it. If you are receiving strongly negative reactions to offers of assistance, it's wise to balance your sympathy for the PWP's difficulties with respect for your right to be treated civilly. Gently remind the PWP that you cannot read his or her mind. Explain plainly and without anger or defensiveness that your offers of help are not meant to embarrass or diminish him or her, but come from your desire to make life a little less difficult.
In the long term, it is worth asking the PWP for some guidance as to when to offer to help and when to leave the PWP to go it alone. This will not eliminate the problem completely, but it can help reduce the frequency of misunderstandings and remind the PWP that a diagnosis of PD does not come with special license to treat others without regard for common courtesy.