A Compliment

When I was young, I was taught to show respect for my elders. I did this by addressing anyone older than me “Mr.”, and only responded “Yes Sir” or “No Sir”. When I say “older”, it generally meant anyone about 20 years older than me. I spent four years in the service, and my habit was reinforced.
Twenty years later I returned to the small town where I had grown up to take over a car dealership. I was surprised and offended how the high school kids (mostly the guys) would address me by my first name. I chalked it up to lousy parents that had done a poor job of teaching their kids manners.
A lot of years have passed and I found my self again being offended when the 20 year old at the health club would take my membership card, scan it, and say “Have a good workout Frank” After all, I’m 64!!
This morning, I entered the health club along with another member that I chat with while working out. He’s 78. I handed my membership card to the young attendant and he scanned it and said, “ Have a good work out Frank”. He then took the card from my friend, scanned it, and said, “ Have a good workout Mr. Jones”. I think I got a compliment.

©2009