Seriously though, I know far too many people who feel the same and are just too self-conscious to go out on their own, sometimes even just to the shop, and it’s not a fear of being mugged or something serious like that, just a case of “not wanting to look stupid” (my friend’s words).

The most common thing I’ve identified amongst my close friends who are like it, i.e. the people I see regularly and easily scrutinise, is that they assume that everyone else in the world knows what to do or say in any given situation and that everyone else will look at them and judge them. And I’ll admit to sometimes getting a bit angry at people who stay in because of that when I myself would love to be able to simply get up and go out on my own. I’m not playing “the cripple card” and I’m certainly not trying to make anyone feel guilty, but I wish certain people would realise how damn well lucky they are (my carer especially!).

Anyway, Mr. W, next time you’re stuck for someone to go to the cinema with give me a call — the person accompanying the cripple gets a free ticket!