To be annoyed that I get glared at for having a blue badge

I'm in my early 40s and don't "look" disabled and I too get this judgement for using my blue badge. I no longer let it bother me as I know I've a genuine entitlement to it and I don't owe anyone an explanation. I also refuse to show anyone although tbf I've only been asked a couple of times and it was several years ago. Mainly nowadays it's dirty looks and I just ignore them. I know it's easier said than done and I didn't get to this point overnight but let it wash over you and ignore the ignorant cretins

This is a great response.

Gosh I think you have been so unlucky. I have a blue badge and have never been asked to show it to a member of the public.

I think the best strategy is to ignore and not engage. People really do have a sense of entitlement.
Please don't let it get to you. Most people go out of their way to support others. Don't let the buggers get you down 💐

Remind the nosy buggers not all disabilities are visible and walk off with your head held high. I'm 55 and have to use a walker, I get some funny looks too. Sending hugs x

My child has one. The looks we get when I park in a disabled bay are ridiculous. The tutting is worse. I've learnt to ignore it but it's hard not to react when it's a bad day

DH has a sunflower lanyard that he sometimes wears (not so much now he's got used to having the BB). You can get them on Amazon if you feel it would help your confidence.

A younger friend of mine has a blue badge . She encounters the same kind of issues . Her stock response is to look bemused and say " are you suggesting I share my personal medical information with you ?, perhaps you would like to share yours first " . They always look embarrassed .

Agree 100% OP I get judged as I'm a 'young' blue badge holder WITH a baby in tow. You can imagine the looks / badge checks / eye rolls / comments that attracts

FWIW my pregnancy caused me permanent issues which then led to me being awarded a blue badge

I've had a BB since my early 20s. I've been glared at, screamed at and physically assaulted by people who don't think I should use BB parking spaces.

It has ALWAYS been by people clearly over the age of 60. Every time. Not one younger person has ever challenged me or even looked twice.

And to the person who said the OP is unreasonable to be upset... No. No they aren't. It IS upsetting to have to anticipate being abused every time you want to park your car. There's absolutely no need for it.

I always have a stock reply when people see my badge and say that I don't look disabled.

I say; 'You don't look stupid, the world's full of surprises!'

So unless they are abusive please be understanding you want someone with a disability to be understanding when someone doubts they are disabled and challenges them on it?

They do get misused and stolen - I suppose as with many other crimes the number of times this happens gets magnified by people - and young people are the obvious ones to blame.
When my children were small we shared our house with an elderly relative with a blue badge - it certainly was a temptation to use it especially if I was running an errand for her. If I was picking her up in my car - using the badge to park close by so that I could help her back to the car - I used to be worried that people thought I was misusing the badge.
So unless they are abusive please be understanding. It's reasonable to be annoyed, but don't let it upset you.

You must know some pretty horrible people. I'm an older person and wouldn't dream of questioning someone like the OP who has a blue badge.

YANBU - I ended up on a stick to walk, with a very bad leg after two nasty falls. Walked badly for some time, ankle supports on, offer me a seat badge for commuting etc. You couldn't miss that something was up with me, essentially. I got some very suspicious and down right annoyed looks .

I was hoping that the younger generations are being taught about hidden disabilities so eventually those views will become more prevalent. I see a lot more awareness of hidden disabilities on eg instagram these days.

See if you can invest in something like this sweetie. (for your car window!)

Disabled Car Sticker Square - Not all disabilities are visible. Please – Blue Badge Co (bluebadgecompany.co.uk)

I know some people can be so rude to people with blue badges, and the young (under 40s) seem to get the worst vitriol! SHOCKER! Some young folk have disabilities!

I know a number of under 40s who have blue badges either for themselves or their child, It's not easy but do learn to totally ignore these rude people. As you get older you will care less.

If it happens again invite them to make a note of your number plate and call the police if they like.
Prejudice and ignorance puts me into sarcastic mode.

I get this as well. My daughter has global development delay and we get the stares although to be honest she does look a bit different.Her sister has autism also.
I got a sticker from eBay it says
" Not all disabilities are visible". that kind of thing and put them on each side of the car.

It’s worth remembering the majority of people are decent and compassionate, it’s just that the occasional dick head you encounter stands out for you.

Im surprised you’ve been challenged by other drivers- there are usually more disabled bays than required in car parks.
I couldn’t be less interested in who is parking in disabled bays.

You could even have been using someone else’s blue badge to pick up them up or drop them off so it’s none of their business even if you leap out of the car in gym gear and start jogging on the spot.

Dont assume everyone is glaring. Sometimes people look like they are but are simply glancing over, frowning and wondering what they’re having for tea.

WTF

Well you can't change them (because even if you tackle one person, there will be many more, from what you've said), so change how you think about.

Maybe tell yourself if it wasn't for people taking it upon themselves to veto those who park in disabled bays, said bays may be full of cars belonging to able bodied people, and then you'd struggle to park.

I'm not trying to be flippant, I'm really not, but it's heartbreaking to read how much this upsets you, and if you can find a way to live alongside it, it may help.

@SweetFemaleAttitude
People like the ones the OP mentioned, will have been dickheads when they were younger.

You don't just become old and suddenly become a bigot.
Oh if only this were true. Sadly as I have grown older I have found more and more of my generation have morphed into the stereotypical grumpy, entitled, judgemental older person that we have personified as boomers. And I'm not just talking about those born in the boomer years.

They were not like this when they were younger. I don't know what happens but it happens a LOT

The idealistic, socially conscious, positive people they were appears to have gone and they are grumbling the whole time. Think all there good fortune came from their own hard work and brilliance rather than luck of the property booms and they criticise the young for doing a tenth of the stupid stuff I remember them doing when they were young.

Its like they've forgotten