DEAR ABBY: I take the shuttle bus from work along with a group of others from the same company. Last week, I got out of work a little early and was already sitting on the bus when the others boarded. Not realizing that I was there, a man who works in another department -- whom I do not know well -- said loudly, "I don't think that old lady is here today."
Abby, I am not yet 60, and he is older than I am! I know that for a fact. His remark was within earshot of the other workers and the driver. Needless to say, I was deeply upset and humiliated. In fact, I wrote a letter to the human resources department but never received a response.
I have considered calling the crass fellow to tell him how much he embarrassed me. Should I? What would you do, Abby? -- LOYAL READER, ANY CITY, USA
DEAR READER: Are you the only older female who rides the shuttle? And are you positive the remark was about you? My initial reaction was that the man may have thought someone who usually takes the bus wasn't there yet and he might have been voicing concern -- as in, "Maybe we should wait a few minutes until she gets here."
Rather than calling him, I would let it go. If he was talking about you, he embarrassed HIMSELF with his tactlessness far more than he embarrassed you.