Dear Abby:
Last night, on a popular television reality show, the host repeatedly addressed a 70- something-year-old participant as "young man." I have seen it many times before, of course -- young man, young lady, sweetie, dear, etc. In my opinion, this borders on disrespect, regardless of the good intentions behind it. My parents actually stopped shopping at a local grocery store because the staff was always calling them "young people." They were embarrassed, and I don't blame them. I know people are trying to be nice, but I wonder how many seniors feel the way my parents do. Can't people extend kindness without being patronizing? -- JENNY IN PASCO, WASH.
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