Hi there @Bowly101 and welcome.
I know exactly what you mean. Even after a lifetime of stares and whispers, when I finally succumbed to my disability and got a blue badge, I felt exactly the same as you. It’s been four years now and I still do a little. ?
I thought I’d be more hardened to it but no, for me, it was the opposite.
I’m a very youthful looking mid fifties and have had the same ‘what are you doing parking there?’ stares off older people. A younger me would have been confrontational I’m afraid to say but my older me would rather just avoid any situation.
So don’t feel odd about it. It’s a natural response for some and something you’ll work through.
On a more positive note, good luck with the XC40 test drive. Just get in there and be a customer, because that’s what you are. Nothing’s changed from the last time you bought one from that dealer in that respect.
I’ve just ordered one and can’t wait. The ride in it is amazing compared to my X1. I too am rural. I’m in N Wales and our roads are terrible. The X1 crashes around but the XC40 just soaks up the holes.
Looking forward to reading your thoughts on it. ?
Drive safe ?
? I will be remembered for nothing but had great fun doing it ?