At 59, I don't get looks from guys, or else I'm too old to notice. The respect thing is there though, but in a different way than you would think. Or maybe it's not a matter of respect but a matter of sympathy and the kindness of strangers.

I've had my bad hip for six years now, a result of an injury. I've been in a world of hurt with it. It is a disability. Some days are better than others, but I do not ever walk "normal" anymore. I do not use a walker or a cane. When I was heavier and walked with a very lurching or gimpy gait due to the pain, I can remember having a door opened for me only one time. The elderly gentleman who opened the door for me was much older than I and looked very frail. I took his kindness to heart because I thought he looked like I should have opened the door for him instead.

I've been on prescription drugs to help manage the pain for a year now. I know with absolute certainty that even on my worst days, I do not walk as badly as I used to on my best days. I am, however, much lighter. It is now very common for someone to open a door for me. Men and women of all ages afford me this courtesy. A few times it has been a teenage boy has shown me this kindness.

People look at me now and see an older woman who has trouble walking. They do not judge me. They are sympathetic and want to help. They no loonger look at me and think that if I would just lose the fat, I would be able to walk better. Before, they saw me with a self made condition worthy of their scorn. Now, they view me as someone with a disability whom they want to help.

What a sad state the world is in if you see someone that needs help and you dismiss that due to their weight, as if to say that is "your fault for being overweight".

I was brought up to believe that if two people approach a door and you get there first, you hold it for the other one no matter what and that men are supposed to hold the door for women always.

I guess chivalry and common decency have gone by the wayside these days. I hope you have many more "less pain" days ahead.

Thank you, Kryssi. I very much appreciate your sentiments.