"Why does my deafness spoil your mood?" A courier from Hrodna, who cannot hear, spoke about clients' reactions
Alina, a courier from Hrodna, shared on social media the situations she faces at work due to her hearing impairment. "This photo shows a person who, in 4 years of deliveries, has seen more than 5000 faces of Hrodna residents. 4000 of them smiled until they realized I couldn't hear. As soon as they understood, the smile turned into a grimace," she wrote on Threads. Her post sparked widespread discussion and more than 16,000 views: users tried to explain why some people change their behavior upon learning that their interlocutor cannot hear, writes Hrodna Life.
"I'm not writing this to complain. I'm writing to ask:
If I did everything perfectly, why does my deafness spoil your mood?
Help me see this through your eyes. I want to understand you, not judge," the girl wrote.
"It's more bewilderment than unfriendliness"
Many users tried to explain that it's not about the attitude towards people with hearing impairments, but about confusion when the usual communication scenario unexpectedly changes, and hearing people don't know how to react, thus getting lost in the first few seconds.
"Maybe it becomes awkward and unclear what to do next when communicating with you?" one of the commentators speculated.
"I think it's simply due to confusion. My neighbor is deaf, and I greet everyone. The first few times I also got confused and didn't know what to do," wrote another.
"It seems to me that sometimes it's useful to talk and discuss the 'grimace.' If you saw something strange on my face, it would be the expression of someone who doesn't understand how to thank you and express emotions so that YOU understand. There's no need to look for hidden motives where there are none. Good luck to you," one of the commentators wrote.
Others wrote that, perhaps, the author misinterpreted people's emotions.
"You imagined it. Usually, Belarusians are still kind and polite. And as for those with sour faces, just ignore them. They simply don't know how to use facial expressions," one user wrote.
"Your deafness doesn't spoil people's mood, believe me! People feel awkward and don't want to offend you with their smile, so you don't mistake it for mockery. I once rode with a deaf taxi driver, tried to talk to him, and felt terribly awkward when he told me he couldn't hear..." another noted.
Stories about taxi drivers and a simple "thank you"
Others shared similar stories. For instance, one user recalled a taxi ride in St. Petersburg.
"A wonderful taxi driver took me to the airport. No complaints. I wrote 'Thank you' in large letters on my phone notes. A sign warned about his special needs," she said.
In response, Alina admitted that she especially appreciates such stories.
"I am proud of such people. And your praise for him warms my heart. Thank you!" she replied.
The girl replied that "it's sad that when I showed him the phone with the word 'thank you' on the screen, he was scared at first. It seems people are not happy with him. It's hurtful."
"I had a situation in Minsk. I called a taxi from the station, a deaf driver arrived, stopped where he could, but far from the entrance. I needed to explain to him that he had to drive as close as possible because my mom was standing at the station entrance and couldn't walk to the taxi (she has leg problems). I was already stressed about my mom, and then the taxi driver, in short, I initially panicked and got confused. But then I figured out to type messages on my phone. In the end, everything worked out, the taxi driver was cool. And you are cool too!" another user wrote.
Some commentators noted that they try to use gestures to thank deaf drivers or couriers.
"I always admire it when hearing people say 'thank you' with gestures," Alina wrote.
Sign language in schools and "quiet checkouts"
The discussion also included the opinion that basic words of Belarusian sign language should be taught in school. According to Alina, such an opportunity does not exist today, as sign language in Belarus still does not have official status.
Users also recalled that in some stores in Minsk (and beyond), "quiet checkouts" are already operating, where customers are served by employees with hearing impairments. According to commentators, such initiatives help people encounter an inclusive environment more often and feel more confident in communication.
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