We and our trusted partners use technology such as cookies on our site to personalize content and ads, provide social media features, and analyze our traffic. You can read more about it and change your preferences here.
While there is a general notion that old age warrants respect, it does not give anyone a license to misuse that privilege. But of course, some people will still make the most of being elderly in the worst possible way.
This old lady is an example of that, as she tried to bully a handicapped individual into moving parking spots. She somehow felt entitled to it, only to receive a harsh reality check that she very well deserved.
The person she had a squabble with shared their story on Reddit, and you can find it below.
RELATED:
Some people may feel a sense of entitlement because of their old age
Man in hospital bed using oxygen and pulse oximeter, highlighting handicapped spot drama and entitled lady confrontation.
Entitled behavior from older people is typically due to a loss of status
Reading the author’s account makes the old woman appear utterly unreasonable. It may make one wonder whether having a sense of entitlement comes with old age.
According to licensed therapist Desiree Taranto, their behavior can be attributed to the loss of status. As she told Bored Panda, many elderly individuals have either retired or are on the way to retirement and are likely entering physical and mental decline.
As a result, their authority in many places is also diminishing.
“They are no longer needed in the workforce or to be the one in the family who takes the lead,” Taranto explained. “This affects the psyche to the point of developing a deep sense of entitlement because they feel they are becoming obsolete.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Because of that loss of status, health, and even independence, their minds begin to compensate by exerting control, according to clinical psychologist and US Therapy Rooms co-founder Dr. Daniel Glazer.
“Many of today’s older people were brought up in cultures where deference to age and authority was the expectation rather than the exception,” he said. “Unlike healthy expectations for respect, entitlement is inflexible, comparative, and emotionally charged.”
But of course, there are two sides to the story of encounters between a supposedly entitled older individual and a younger person, like in this story. In some scenarios, ageism may even be a factor.
“Younger generations may see older generations as burdens rather than assets. If an older individual is demanding, a younger individual may feel it’s unfair.” Taranto stated that these stereotypes only put greater strain on intergenerational relationships by building resentment.
Older people must learn to accept their new roles
We are all bound to get old someday. It’s a fact of life that we cannot escape. And once you do get there, acceptance would be the healthiest approach, which may help avoid a sense of entitlement.
“Being the grandparents who sit and watch TV or play with the children while meals are being cooked rather than helping in the kitchen, for example,” Taranto said, while also pointing out that younger people must also do their part and avoid generalizing age categories or dropping phrases like “OK, boomer.”
ADVERTISEMENT
But in the event of conflicts with a seemingly entitled older person, Dr. Glazer urges setting calm yet firm boundaries to avoid getting pulled into personal arguments.
“Across all of these contexts, empathy works best alongside accountability, because understanding someone’s feelings does not require agreeing with their behavior,” he added.
In the story’s case, the author did set boundaries and stood their ground without escalating the situation, which was commendable. Fortunately, things ended without getting unnecessarily heated up.
Most people sided with the author, who added more information to their story
Screenshot of a forum comment discussing a person dealing with handicapped spot drama after confrontation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comments discussing a person dealing with handicapped spot drama after an entitled lady confronts them online.
ADVERTISEMENT
Online discussion about a person dealing with handicapped spot drama after confrontation with an entitled lady.
Text conversation showing a person dealing with handicapped spot drama after an entitled lady confronts them online.
Person dealing with handicapped spot drama after confrontation by an entitled lady in a parking lot dispute.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Comments exchange about dealing with handicapped spot drama after confrontation by an entitled lady on mobility issues.
Person dealing with handicapped spot drama after confrontation from an entitled lady about the parking space.
Text discussing a person dealing with handicapped spot drama after an entitled lady confrontation on an online forum.
ADVERTISEMENT
Person dealing with handicapped spot drama after confrontation by entitled lady outside a parking area.
ADVERTISEMENT
Person dealing with handicapped spot drama after confrontation with entitled lady about parking spot.
Screenshot of an online discussion about a person dealing with handicapped spot drama after confrontation by an entitled lady.
Screenshot of an online discussion about dealing with handicapped spot drama involving an entitled lady confrontation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Screenshot of an online forum discussion about drama involving a handicapped parking spot confrontation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Reddit user expressing sympathy after person faces handicapped spot drama with an entitled lady confrontation.
Text conversation showing a person describing struggles with pain and energy related to handicapped spot drama.
ADVERTISEMENT
Person dealing with handicapped spot drama after confrontation with an entitled lady outside a parking space.
Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a disabled badge and handicapped spot drama involving an entitled lady confrontation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Person dealing with handicapped spot drama after confrontation by an entitled lady on public transport.
Person dealing with handicapped spot drama after confrontation with an entitled lady refusing to give up seat.
ADVERTISEMENT
Screenshot of a Reddit conversation discussing a person dealing with handicapped spot drama after an entitled lady confrontation.
Person dealing with handicapped spot drama after confrontation with an entitled lady in a parking lot dispute.
ADVERTISEMENT
A person faces handicapped spot drama as an entitled lady confronts them over parking space use and empathy issues arise.
ADVERTISEMENT
Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing challenges with using a handicapped parking spot due to hidden health issues.
Screenshot of an online comment thread discussing challenges related to handicapped spot drama and entitled confrontations.
Commenters discuss challenges faced by a person dealing with handicapped spot drama and entitlement confrontations.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Screenshot of a Reddit comment thread about someone dealing with handicapped spot drama after an entitled lady confrontation.
Comment thread showing user discussing dealing with handicapped spot drama after an entitled lady confrontation.
Poll Question
Total votes ·
Thanks! Check out the results:
Total votes ·
Newsletter
Subscribe to Access Exclusive Polls
By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.
Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!
As a Visual Editor at Bored Panda, I indulge in the joy of curating delightful content, from adorable pet photos to hilarious memes, all while nurturing my wanderlust and continuously seeking new adventures and interests—sometimes thrilling, sometimes daunting, but always exciting!
As a Visual Editor at Bored Panda, I indulge in the joy of curating delightful content, from adorable pet photos to hilarious memes, all while nurturing my wanderlust and continuously seeking new adventures and interests—sometimes thrilling, sometimes daunting, but always exciting!
30
0