Backpack stigma

I rarely carry a backpack now, but I used to when I was both taking graduate courses, and an instructor at my company. I was in my thirties and forties at the time. It was very convenient for toting all the textbooks and papers involved. So when I see someone with a backpack, regardless of their age, I don’t assume. 😊

Speaking of assumptions, I try to walk daily, and post-walk one day I was resting on a bench about midway with a cup of coffee…I realized I’d left my phone at home.

Tourists and folks we used to call "Yuppies" wander through our neighborhood, lots of shops, boutiques and cafes here.

As a yuppie passed, I asked him, "Excuse me, do you know what time it is ?"

He stared blankly, then pulled out his wallet, peeling out a $5 bill.
I forced myself to smile and told him gently,

"No, no, thank you— I’m fine ! I just wanted to know what time it is. I forgot my phone."

Then he was embarrassed, apologizing profusely, and told me the time.

After he left, I thought about it; I was wearing jeans, my Nikes, a plain tee and a cardigan, all clean, no makeup but combed hair. I didn’t think I looked like a panhandler, but who knows ? 🤨