At 80 years old, his father is more fit than most people half his age. But when he parked in the ‘elderly’ spot at the supermarket, his son’s statement caused a family conflict and started an online argument.
His Dad Is Over 80 Years Old
However, his father is also in great shape.
“He regularly completes 10-mile hikes for fun, does all the heavy lifting in DIY and garden projects himself, and runs up escalators when possible because he’s too impatient to wait.”
He Parked in the “Elderly” Spot at the Supermarket and People Got Mad
His local supermarket has “priority” spots close to the store entrance for the handicapped and elderly drivers – which his dad uses.
“My Dad has a habit of grabbing one of the ‘elderly’ spots to save thirty seconds compared to a normal parking space.”
He Got Told Off
The elderly gent complained that some “busy-bodies” had told him off for using the spot, even though he is over 80 and well within his rights.
“I replied with, ‘Well yes, but you’re violating the spirit of the parking space.’”
His Father Is Upset by This
This statement didn’t go down well with the OP’s dad, who is now upset with his son.
“He feels that old age is hard enough without taking advantage of the few perks it offers. I think he’s only angry because he’s feeling guilty.”
He Can’t Understand Why His Father Is Angry
The OP can’t understand why his dad is mad at him. “AITA for not supporting him when he does have the ‘right’ to use the parking spot?”
He went online for some answers.
Users Had Little Sympathy for the OP
And declared that yes – he is TA!
“It’s like you’re punishing your dad for taking care of himself. That privilege is from his age and nothing else. He shouldn’t be made to feel guilty for being healthier than your average elderly.”
The ‘Spirit’ Remark Also Didn’t Go Down Well
Many users called out the OP on his “spirit of the parking spot” comment.
“I don’t really know what you mean by ‘the spirit’ of the parking space. The space is for elderly people, and your dad is elderly.”
They Did Not Let It Go
Another user weighed in on the spirit remark.
“‘You’re violating the spirit of the parking space’ is possibly the most stupid statement I’ve ever read.”
His Dad Isn’t Going to Be Around Forever
Many users feel that the OP’s physical prowess is irrelevant and that he should be able to enjoy these perks.
“The spots are for the elderly. Your dad may be fit, but he’s elderly. Let’s face it. His time is winding down. If shaving two minutes off his walk in a parking lot matters to him, let him have that.”
He May Not Recover From a Fall
Another user pointed out that people over the age of 80 are unlikely to survive a fall, or they may be badly wounded.
“Also, at his age, if he falls down carrying heavy bags, his recovery won’t be easy.”
He’s Earned It
Everyone agreed the dad had the right to the spot.
“He’s elderly. He earned the right to park there. By the way, you’re wrong. The ‘spirit’ of the parking spot is that it is meant for people who are old. He is old. So the spot is for him.”
The Karens Are TA Too
Most users agreed that the OP was most certainly the AH here, but the “Karens” shouldn’t be let off the hook, either.
“YTA. As are the ‘busy-bodies’ you mention. Your dad has a right to use one of the elderly spaces (at EIGHTY! I don’t care how fit he is). Leave him alone.”
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