u/Heyplaguedoctor

I’m a full-time manual wheelchair user. I did a favor for someone and he offered to repay me with free boxing lessons (not the issue).

I told my (able-bodied) friend about that because the mental image of me trying to box in a wheelchair was amusing (I know some people can. I am not one of them). He replied that i should do it “because upper-body exercise is important in a wheelchair and cardio would be good for me” (side note: no, it wouldn’t, exertion exacerbates my pain, but that’s also not the point lol).

I told him that using my manual wheelchair *is* my upper-body workout. He replied “okay, hot wheels 🙄”. I said I didn’t appreciate being called that, he said he would take it back if I could explain **why** (emphasis his).

To me, it seems like calling me hot wheels in a sarcastic/disparaging way is a microaggression and told him as much. He sees it otherwise. Am I being too sensitive?

(Edit: never mind yes it was offensive. I need to stop questioning my feelings and excusing people being dicks to me. I and my mobility aide are not a children’s toy. When i explained how it was hurtful he told me he’s “too autistic to understand.” Which is funny, I’m autistic too but if i unintentionally offend someone i say “im sorry, thank you for letting me know. I’ll be more mindful.”)