"You're so young, why on Earth are you parking in the handicap spot?!"

[britannialamode]

I'm recovering from having my spine almost completely destroyed in a car accident (it was rebuilt with titanium and I am, thankfully and miraculously, able to walk and take care of myself now), and for a long time I didn't know how to respond to confrontational, usually older people asking me why I was getting in/getting out of my car that I had parked in the handicap zone. I really don't like having to justify my handicapped placard to anyone, but these confrontations were a bit shocking and so for a while I'd go into a long discussion about my health and recovery. Recently, though, I've found it works well to simply say: "Sometimes bad things happen to young people, too."

Does anyone have any other suggestions of things to say? I don't want to appear rude, and when imagining it in my head, "What an interesting assumption" might come off as condescending.

[Sunbeem]

... Recently, though, I've found it works well to simply say: "Sometimes bad things happen to young people, too."...

I can't think of a better one that what you just said.  It is nice and vague, while at the same time pointing out to them that they shouldn't assume that young=perfectly healthy.  And if said in the right tone of voice, it would not sound condescending nor accusatory.

[Lisbeth]

"Because it's medically necessary even though that doesn't show."

[Luci45]

I still need my tag but look pretty spy to the casual observer. Even though I don't really need it at home, I take my cane with me so I don't get questions. It also has saved me from being jostled more than once so I'm glad I have it, it has helped me catch myself when I tripped once, and people don't look at me as entitled when I ask them to please get something from the lowest shelf for me. (I can't bend over yet.)

I do love your "Sometimes bad things happen to young people."

[kitty-cat]

OP, I am so glad that you are healing so well! I'm just over 6 months out from breaking my leg in 2 places from a wreck as well. (pretty sure it didn't compound because of my weight) I hated the looks I got when we were out running errands with me, though the lookers usually left us alone when mom got the wheelchair out.

I use a cane now, for balance and making sure I sit on the shuttle on campus- I can't stand on it anymore...

I love what you say though. Of course you can always say that you are really 85, but you know a really good surgeon

[oz diva]

OP, I am so glad that you are healing so well! I'm just over 6 months out from breaking my leg in 2 places from a wreck as well. (pretty sure it didn't compound because of my weight) I hated the looks I got when we were out running errands with me, though the lookers usually left us alone when mom got the wheelchair out.

I use a cane now, for balance and making sure I sit on the shuttle on campus- I can't stand on it anymore...

I love what you say though. Of course you can always say that you are really 85, but you know a really good surgeon

Oh that's a great line.     

[rashea]

"Because I need to" works fairly well as well. Or, "because my doctor threatened me if I don't" works even better.

[NutMeg]

"Sometimes bad things happen to young people, too."

That is my favourite response that I've read here on eHell. Awesome.

[Angel B.]

What you are saying is great! I'm sorry that people are so rude they have to say that to you, but I'm happy that you're recovering well.

[JacklynHyde]

Your verbal spine is as solid as your rebuilt physical one.  The response you have crafted is the most gentle and eloquent one I can imagine.  I hope it leaves those meanies sputtering.

[wendelenn]

"Sometimes bad things happen to young people, too."

That is my favourite response that I've read here on eHell. Awesome.

This is great.
And I have to say, sad as it is that it had to happen, I just LOVE the idea of an e-hellion out there with an ACTUAL titanium spine!

[VorFemme]

There's also a shrug and "accidents happen"............without clarifying anything about what kind of accident. 

But carrying a cane (if it would come in handy) might also work - just don't carry a really cool one that some Entitled Little Princess is going to want to take away from you, like another eHellion (which one I do not recall - but her parents got quite upset when their little Princess didn't get given the Cool Cane).

[Luci45]

And I have to say, sad as it is that it had to happen, I just LOVE the idea of an e-hellion out there with an ACTUAL titanium spine!

There are lots of us I'm sure! I can't believe that when I begin discussing mine with someone, that person always knows someone who had the similar implants. It's amazing.

[SamiHami]

I think your response is an excellent one; however, I don't think that you are required to answer nosy questions from complete strangers. A frosty stare is all you really need to give them.

[HoneyBee]

Your verbal spine is as solid as your rebuilt physical one.  The response you have crafted is the most gentle and eloquent one I can imagine.  I hope it leaves those meanies sputtering.

I agree.  Very nice response, OP.  I, too, am glad you are recovering well!