You may have noticed that, so far, I haven't suggested anything that only applies to those of us who can't see. The tips all work quite well for people who can see, although for them, the tips may not be quite so essential.

Well, I'm about to do it again. One of those tips that is essential for those of us who can't see, but work almost as well for everyone else, is headed your way.

The harsh reality is this. If you can't see, many, but definitely not all, people who can see make judgments about you based on little more than their personal generalizations about blindness and blind people. Unfortunately, those generalizations tend to be negative. Not negative in the sense of your being a bad person or somehow unacceptable, but rather negative in terms of being limited, less competent, more needy and ignorable.

A major contributor to these negative generalizations is that most people who can see have never known a successful, competent blind person. If they do know someone who can't see, the likelihood is that the blind person they know is quite old, not involved in the mainstream of things, or both. Sure, it's just another version of prejudice; but knowing that doesn't help much when it is you who is the person being judged.

I agree. It's not fair, not right and people who judge us without knowing us should be ashamed of themselves. There is another side to that particular coin though.

Many, but definitely not all people who can't see, buy into the negative judgment habit. They sometimes behave as if other people should adjust to their issues and limitations. Since they can't see, people should expect less, accommodate more and be more considerate of how difficult it is to get along when you can't see. And the fact of it is that most people will expect less and accommodate more, at least until they get tired of it or start to suspect that you are taking advantage of their helpful nature.

In earlier episodes of Blind How, I've suggested a few ways you can get past the tendency of people to put you in the blind box, depending on whatever they assume about people who can't see. I can assure you that life is easier in the blind box, if you don't mind staying on the fringe and mostly being ignored. If instead you do mind, do believe that you can swim in the mainstream, are committed to giving it your best effort, first be sure you are implementing the tips I shared in earlier episodes. Along with that, here's another tip to incorporate into your skill set.

There is never a good excuse for bad manners.

I know. Your manners are impeccable. You don't need to be reminded to use your good manners every day, everywhere, with everyone. This little tip is just not needed. But just in case, pick someone you know who has especially good manners. Now, ask yourself if you are keeping up with the standard they are setting. If so, good for you. If not, you may want to work on that. It's one way you can let other people know that you don't belong in their blind box.

Yes, good manners are a lot more than please and thank you. Observe thoughtfully, take mental notes and remember the thoughts and feelings you have about people who really do have impeccable manners. You'll soon get the point.

If it is to be, I'll always take my good manners with me, putting them right out there for all to see.