Dyspraxic Adults

I’m 22, female, still living at home/can’t live independently. Me and my friend were cooking together and she asked me to open a can of tomatoes (with a non mechanical can opener), when I said I couldn’t she was astonished. She tried in vain to teach me but I just couldn’t do it, and she refused to open it herself because I “had to learn” since in her words, every functioning adult has to know how to use a can opener and I can’t “stay mentally twelve forever.” When I tried to explain my disability she didn’t believe me and told me I was just using it as an excuse. She literally couldn’t believe I could live like this. I tried to argue there are alternatives, such as using a mechanical can opener or simply not buying canned food but she just took that as avoiding the problem.

It turned into kind of a huge argument. And though we eventually settled it I’m still upset. Why is it so hard for people to accept you have difficulties with certain “basic” things? Why is my disability not an excuse for being disabled? I’m so tired of this. Hoping to find some understanding here

Your friends reaction is inexcusable and it's also sad no one has taken the time to help you find an accessible means for you to open tins independently

Some tins do defy attempts to.open them!