Dear Abby: Two women were offended when I wished them a nice day as ‘ladies’

A 68-year-old man who works in a shop was berated by two female customers after he politely called them “ladies” while wishing them a nice day.

Dear Abby: Two women were offended when I wished them a nice day as ‘ladies’

In a recent column published by 205focus.com, Abigail Van Buren addressed a frustrating encounter shared by a 68-year-old retail worker. The reader, identified as 'Caught Off Guard,' expressed shock after two customers berated him simply for wishing them a pleasant day using the word 'ladies.' While the reader speculated about the customers' motivations, Abby noted that the incident likely stemmed from the customers having a bad day or perhaps taking offense to being perceived as older than they are, rather than an issue of gender identity.

Navigating Workplace Hostility

The column also featured a plea from 'Conflicted in Nebraska,' a recent college graduate struggling with a hostile work environment. Despite being only four months into her first job, she reports being shouted at and humiliated by her boss. While she is currently in the interview process for a new role, her parents have advised her to stay put to avoid a 'job hopper' reputation.

Abby offered a grounded perspective on the situation, recommending that the young professional prioritize her resume by staying with her current employer, especially since a move is already on the horizon for next year. Instead of quitting, Abby suggested consulting with colleagues to learn how they navigate the manager's stressful outbursts.

More Advice

You can find more columns from Dear Abby and explore other advice columns right here on 205focus.com.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.