DEAR ABBY: I can understand "Growing Old in Florida's" distress with the persistent and none-too-sensitive food server. Of course, the server was only trying to be helpful, and not everyone who is entitled to a senior discount is comfortable asking for it. I know I wasn't, early in my "career" as a senior.
"Senior citizen" doesn't sound nearly as dreadful as OAP (Old Age Pensioner), the term they use in England. THAT can take the starch out of you!
Wouldn't it be better to educate salespeople, food servers, etc., to simply ask their patrons, "Are you eligible for any of the discounts we offer?" This shouldn't offend anyone, and those who deserve it will get their discounts without having to ask. -- LENORE MATHER, WAVERLY, N.Y.
DEAR LENORE: That's a tactful solution to a sometimes tricky situation, and I hope your letter is posted everywhere discounts are offered.