In the last month I have been on the phone with a bank manager who repeatedly called me "dear"; I have gone to the hairdresser where a woman at least my age with seriously dyed and styled hair said, "Give me your scarf, young lady," and I have been to Whole Foods where the butcher repeatedly called me "ma'am." Of the three, I like "ma'am" the best.
I can see why old people get Sick. And. Tired. of being condescended to and treated like they are effing idiots. I just haven't figured out how to respond when stupid people call me "dear" and "young lady."
In another instance, I had only myself to blame. I spent the day at a photo shoot with a bunch of 20-something creative types, and made the mistake of whining about turning 50 and feeling old. A perky as hell young woman said, "Hey, you seem pretty spunky to me, sister."
Spunky. After I punched her lights out, I determined that I would not refer to myself as old again. I slipped today, but by and large I have stuck to my guns.
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