'Get a life': Shopper shares disappointing act at a local shopping centre

Navigating car parks at bustling shopping centres could sometimes be a test of patience and skill.

The challenges are greater for those with disabilities, and the need for accessible parking spaces is a necessity.

However, a recent incident at a local shopping centre highlighted the insensitivity and entitlement that could sometimes permeate public spaces.


A disabled woman parked her car in a designated disabled parking spot at a shopping centre.

'I parked between a large stanchion and the bright yellow bollard with the yellow paint hatching on the floor,' she shared.

'Admittedly, I did park on a slight angle, but seeing as no one could park either side of me and I wouldn't be causing an issue with anyone else, I left the car like that.'

Upon returning from her shopping, she found a card tucked under her windscreen wiper.


compressed-parking.jpeg
An anonymous shopper stuck this parking card in the woman's car. Image Credit: Facebook/Lake Macquarie Community Notice Board


The card read, 'Hey, you suck at parking. Seriously, even a five-year-old knows how to stay inside the lines. Learn to park, really. Limit one space per car.'

The woman shared her response to the anonymous critic on the Lake Macquarie Community Notice Board.

'Honestly, mate, get a life. Do you have nothing better to do than harass disabled shoppers?' she asked.

'Maybe you could put your money to better use than getting cards printed anonymously by donating to a disabled charity.'


The post quickly garnered attention, with hundreds of comments pouring in.

Many sympathised with the woman's plight and shared their own experiences with self-appointed 'parking cops'.

'I often have to park in two spaces because there is no disabled parking left, and you can't fit a wheelchair up the side of the car,' one shopper shared.

'If it doesn't affect your life, just move on and stop being up in people's business. So sorry this happened to you,' another said.

A third comment called the act of leaving such cards' bullying'.


'I have a disability permit, and I parked in a disabled angled parking spot on the street. I had my elderly dad with me, who I was taking to an appointment,' a fourth shared.

'If anyone is thinking of putting these on other people's cars, maybe think about the effect it might have on the other person. You don't know what they are going through.'

Yet, some community members found humour in the situation.

'So, you admit to parking badly but don't like it when someone points it out? That's funny,' one comment read.

'I love the card,' another user shared. 'Don't be so offended. You know you parked at an angle. Laugh it off.'

'With the way I park, I would have a big collection of those cards!' a third exclaimed.


While some viewed the card as a harmless joke, others took it as a reminder of the obstacles people face and the lack of consideration from others.

It's a stark illustration of how actions, even those meant in jest, can have unintended consequences.

As the discussion continued, one woman's advice resonated with many: 'In a world when you can be anything, be kind.'

Others also urged those who found the situation amusing to consider walking in the shoes of someone with a disability.

In a world that often feels rushed and impersonal, this incident serves as a reminder of the power of kindness and the importance of seeing beyond personal experiences.
Key Takeaways

  • A disabled woman shared a rude note she found after parking at a local shopping centre.
  • The note left under her wipers mockingly read, 'Hey, you suck at parking,' along with some snide remarks.
  • The woman shared the incident on a community notice board, which received a mix of comments from support to amusement.
  • Other comments expressed empathy towards the struggles of disabled individuals and advocated for kindness and understanding.
Have you encountered any of these 'parking cops' in your local community? What do you think of this action? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments section below.
 

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Bella I am glad you are having your say. I think it all comes down to respect of other opinions and noone knows what someone else is facing in their lives. Please keep contributing. Sometimes there are negative comments in this forum but I choose just to ignore them and keep my head up high. We are all adults and should respect each other as such especially as being senior members. Just my thought of the day. And on many occasions I have had nasty comments made when I am getting out of a support workers car, they don't see how hard it is for me. I don't always use my stick. I have noticed at my new shopping centre there are not only disabled parks but also seniors parks as well. A win for us all.
 
Bella I am glad you are having your say. I think it all comes down to respect of other opinions and noone knows what someone else is facing in their lives. Please keep contributing. Sometimes there are negative comments in this forum but I choose just to ignore them and keep my head up high. We are all adults and should respect each other as such especially as being senior members. Just my thought of the day. And on many occasions I have had nasty comments made when I am getting out of a support workers car, they don't see how hard it is for me. I don't always use my stick. I have noticed at my new shopping centre there are not only disabled parks but also seniors parks as well. A win for us all.
Anybody who abuses anyone with a disability who legally parks in a legally designated parking spot will cop my wrath. A stony glare from me to a shaven headed tattooed wannabee bikie thug in his convertible with two dogs in his car, one being his "ghoulfriend", soon decamped a disability spot in Nowra some years ago. Not a word was said but the message was plain and clear.
 
Hello darling Marilynne,
Thank you for asking how l am feeling. I have lost sleep over the past two nights getting upset about the nonsense that has gone on. Most people would have let it go. I just couldn't do that in one way l feel foolish for putting out my thoughts. And l know the people around me would suggest just don't bother at all with the SDC. I do enjoy reading the articles. I feel if l can contribute something in a nice way why not. If l can give some advice that maybe helpful why not. Growing up l was not allowed an opinion so now l might be making up for it l suppose. I know we don't all agree with each other and that is fine it's called respect. I was totally pulled apart by one person. This person has never met me but summed me up because they did not agree with my post. It has been not nice at all. Then another makes silly childess remarks because another member and l were innocently agreeing with each other. This causes unnecessary stress which is not called for.
Me being the sensitive soul l am will take a few days to get over all this. I am fighting the black dog l can feel him snapping at my heals. I truly appreciate you checking in on me. I cannot tell you how much it means to me.
I will plod on and if l get slapped again on the SDC l will unsubscribe and take it as one of life's lessons.
Thank you again.
Love to you Vicki
Don't ever give up on your opinions and don't let others upset you all the best for the future
 
I think the issue is, if you are going to park your vehicle then at least park it straight. If you park on an angle during your driving test (curb parking) when you are going for your license, you will fail your test. It is more about proving your competence and driving skills, and not parking as though you just don't care how or where you park your car. No real need for the rant off the other driver.
 
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Keep posting Bella. A lot of us really care about other members and really, posting mean comments really annoys me, it’s so unnecessary. I abhor meanness, racism and don’t set me going on conspiracies. Keep believing in yourself Bella, you’re been through so much.
Keep your chin up sweet girl! You are absolutely admired by the huge majority of SDC members. Hopefully, you will recover from this ordeal but we all have different ways in coping with such events.

So my dear....stay strong and forever young!
Well stated both of you. Bella has been through so much but people shouldn't use that to stop her speaking her mind.
Do some people feel threatened by members who exhibit their true feelings on a subject & can only fight back by being derogatory to the author?
I enjoy reading comments of many members here & Bella is one of those folk. Please keep posting Bella.
 
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Well stated both of you. Bella has been through so much but people shouldn't use that to stop her speaking her mind.
Do some people feel threatened by members who exhibit their true feelings on a subject & can only fight back by being derogatory to the author?
I enjoy reading comments of many members here & Bella is one of those folk. Please keep posting Bella.
That you for your kind words and support.
Love to you Vicki
 

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