It's been seven years that I had an accident with a motorbike at work, while delivering mail. I did not get out unscathed. Ever since that day, I have a burning pain that goes all across my leg as well as reduced strength in that leg. So I walk with a bit of a limp, especially if it's aching a lot. And I have a cane with me if the walking gets too hard. Mind you, I was 23 at the time of the accident, had a girlfriend, but as you can understand it's no fun being a cripple when you're only in your early twenties.

So my girl left me, saying she couldn't live with a cripple. Understandable. She got on with one of my acquaintances and I don't blame her. It did hurt, however, I needed her and she ditched me. Fine. So I became more self-reliant and independent, but there are some voids being tough can not fill, so I started going out again, with the walking cane, of course.

Some sixteen year old punks, testosterone bombs, thought of making fun with me and kicked my cane from under my hand, making me to fall to the floor while I was at the pub. This girl that was checking me out - apparently - helped me back to my feet and gave me back my cane, and helped me to a chair and bought me a drink.

So we started talking. Since ours is but a small village, she knew about my ex-girlfriend and her leaving me and so on. I told her about the accident, that I was crippled and she was crying throughout my story. So she and me kind of became a couple. I have asked her if she wouldn't make a problem out of my ailment and she said she'd never leave me and she'd help me out in any way possible.

And she does. EVERYWHERE she's walking on my arm, you know, holding me, and if we go shopping she carries everything, she basically does everything. It gets the looks from the people. And it's not good for my manhood either. I am grateful for all she did for me and will do for me, but I am not a child she needs to take care of.

How can I make it clear to her, without breaking her heart and really showing my gratitude, that she needs to cut down on the smothering behaviour?