DEAR ABBY: My wife and I, both in our 70s, feel patronized when waiters, clerks, medical personnel and others call us "young woman" or "young man."
When we tell them we don't like being addressed that way, they are often puzzled or offended, and reply, "We were paying you a compliment because you look young for your age."
We'd appreciate your advice about how we might handle this problem. It might help if you call this to the attention of your readers. -- RETIRED IN L.A.
DEAR RETIRED: Although "young woman" or "young man" may be well-intentioned, it comes across as presumptuous and patronizing. The next time someone tells you it's intended as a compliment, tell the person you appreciate the thought, but you'd prefer to be addressed as Mr. and Mrs. (if that's your preference).