Dear Abby: My friend “Alma” has a handicapped parking permit. I never asked her why she has it. We regularly go for long walks, and she seems perfectly able-bodied. Alma did share with me once that she got the tag after an accident left her with some intermittent long-term pain. She said most days she doesn’t need the accessible parking and doesn’t use it, but that when her pain flares up, it’s helpful to be able to utilize a handicapped parking space.
However, I have been with Alma in situations where there is limited parking and she suggests using a handicapped space. I’m uncomfortable taking a space away from someone who may need it, but also uncomfortable questioning whether Alma needs it or if it’s just for convenience. What is the proper etiquette here?
—Empathetic in Texas
Dear Empathetic: The proper etiquette would be to tell your friend Alma (with a smile) that unless she’s having pain that day, you would prefer to park a little farther away in a regular parking spot.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O.Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
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