Why older people are fun in public...

[maxwellissmart]

...when they don't belong to you, or you are one.

 

So I was just an an artisanal organic, rBGH-free ice cream parlor (okay, so it was Dairy Queen—don't judge).

 

And the line was practically out the door for some reason, so I had to wait in line for a while—and the people standing directly behind me (a woman, her father and her two young children) had a conversation that went something like this...

 

Woman: Jesus, why is this line so long? Daddy, watch Brayden Jayden and Sophia Sophie while I go tinkle.

 

(woman goes to restroom)

 

BJ: I want a milkshake!

SS: I want a banana split!

BJ and SS (together): We want a milkshake and a banana split! What do YOU want, Paw Paw?

Grandfather: (clearly out of his element) Umm...umm... I want—

SS: What, Paw Paw? WHAT DO YOU WANT??? YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN WE GET TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE!!!

 

(we are about 6 customers from the front of the line, but SS has rattled Paw Paw)

 

Grandfather: (choosing quickly) I want a Blizzard.

BJ: What kind?

Grandfather: [oh God] What kind do they have?

BJ: (reading the sign) They have Oreo, cookie dough...

Grandfather: I want an Oreo cookie dough Blizzard.

BJ: No, that's two different kinds! You have to pick one!

Grandfather: I want THAT. (points to a generic sign on the napkin dispenser that says "Blizzard.")

BJ (growing frustrated): But that's not a KIND, Paw Paw! That's just a sign!

Grandfather: Well goddammit...

 

(woman returns from bathroom)

Woman: Jesus, that took long enough—does everyone know what they want?

BJ: (shouting to restaurant) Paw Paw doesn't know... AND HE SAID A DIRTY WORD!

Woman: DADDY!

Grandfather: All I said was that I want a damn Blizzard.

Woman: Well what kind?

(entire cycle repeats until Grandfather says: "Just get me a damn ice cream cone" and walks outside).

[+ sam.fitzpatrick]

Sounds like taking my mom out for Mexican. By the time she selects a margarita - size, flavor, rocks/frozen, no salt/salt - we've missed last call.

[Rick Munroe]

Paw Paw should have told the two brats to shut the fuck up and wait quietly!

[maxwellissmart]

Paw Paw should have told the two brats to shut the fuck up and wait quietly!

 

I knew he was in trouble when he said he wanted a 2-flavor Blizzard. The blood was in the water.

[Racketjock]

I find the story sad. In my profession, I see first hand how the current young generation has no respect or a level of care and compassion in dealing with the older population, of which we are or may become.

[Rick Munroe]

I find the story sad. In my profession, I see first hand how the current young generation has no respect or a level of care and compassion in dealing with the older population, of which we are or may become.

 

I feel that way, too. But it's not only when dealing with older people....they just don't have any common courtesy or consideration for anyone else, regardless of age. And they are unable to interact with people who are not part of their inner circle of friends (or without texting).

[jawjateck]

I can see my dad in this story. Even though his health is so-so and some form of mental impairment is advancing in him (he's over 80), I'm still privileged to be his son. As someone who lost my mother at a young age, I learned not to take family for granted, and it is an honor to love and care for him.

[maxwellissmart]

I find the story sad. In my profession, I see first hand how the current young generation has no respect or a level of care and compassion in dealing with the older population, of which we are or may become.

 

On the contrary—I got the feeling they were both trying to look out for him so that he was prepared when he got up to the counter. You have to remember that these are very young children, and they pretty much had tunnel vision once they got in the door on that ice cream.

[Rick Munroe]

Maxwell, wasn't the point of your thread to make fun of the grandfather, "clearly out of his element"?

[Bosguy]

Old is not a chronological thing. It is how you think and act. I know/knew many people my age or younger who acted like "old men" long before their time.

 

Boston Bill

[maxwellissmart]

Maxwell, wasn't the point of your thread to make fun of the grandfather, "clearly out of his element"?

 

The point of the thread was to poke fun at a man who was overwhelmed by ice cream choices, actually.

 

I guess you had to be there.

[Rick Munroe]

The point of the thread was to poke fun at a man who was overwhelmed by ice cream choices

 

Not just a man. An "older" man, as in the title of your thread.

[+ Travis69]

I laugh at myself with some choices such as a new TV. Way too many choices and I don't understand any of it. Luckily I have a friend who knows what to pick. I saw 3 generations doing something together and caring for each other. A good thing.

[maxwellissmart]

Not just a man. An "older" man, as in the title of your thread.

 

Yes, I did—because he was an older man. He reminded me of older people I've encountered in my own life (some who were the archetype of "crotchety old fart" and some who are "connected to another, simpler time") who—not because they were under some sort of functional or mental impairment—said something or did something that was funny at the time. Or anachronistic. Or surprisingly savvy. I just thought it was funny that the man was being assailed by his grandchildren while trying to order ice cream—which he apparently thought would be simple but was apparently far more complex than he was prepared for. It reminds me of taking my parents out to dinner at a fancier, "modern" restaurant and watching my father get bent out of shape with the server because one cannot order merely order "steak"—they have to order it as Steak. Which cut? Au Poive? Sauce Bourdelais? Temperature? Medium to Medium-Well (now, that will have a little hint of pink inside, is that okay? Yesssssssss..) With a side? A salad? A potato? With a sauce for the side? With—you pick, I'm sure it will be fine.

[Rick Munroe]

It reminds me of taking my parents out to dinner at a fancier, "modern" restaurant and watching my father get bent out of shape with the server because one cannot order merely order "steak"—they have to order it as Steak. Which cut? Au Poive? Sauce Bourdelais? Temperature?

 

I guess maybe it all depends on where you grow up. I think a lot of older people are familiar with different cuts and how they prefer their food cooked. They did have fancy modern restaurants in the last century.

 

It's funny how we all perceive things differently. If I had written this post, I would have focused on the horrible brats!

[Bosguy]

Yes, I did—because he was an older man. He reminded me of older people I've encountered in my own life (some who were the archetype of "crotchety old fart" and some who are "connected to another, simpler time") who—not because they were under some sort of functional or mental impairment—said something or did something that was funny at the time. Or anachronistic. Or surprisingly savvy. I just thought it was funny that the man was being assailed by his grandchildren while trying to order ice cream—which he apparently thought would be simple but was apparently far more complex than he was prepared for. It reminds me of taking my parents out to dinner at a fancier, "modern" restaurant and watching my father get bent out of shape with the server because one cannot order merely order "steak"—they have to order it as Steak. Which cut? Au Poive? Sauce Bourdelais? Temperature? Medium to Medium-Well (now, that will have a little hint of pink inside, is that okay? Yesssssssss..) With a side? A salad? A potato? With a sauce for the side? With—you pick, I'm sure it will be fine.

 

Why are you concentrating on "older" people? As Rick pointed out , the most obnoxious people in general are the young yuppy woman

 

Boston Bill

[BewareofNick]

It's not just old people. Have you ever been in line at a self checkout when there's an idiot in front of you?

[adriano46]

I first read this and it was almost a case of "been there, seen it, done it!"

 

I have always seen signs for SUBWAY shops but never really went into one for any reason, as my own preference for "foot-long" anything does not transfer over to sandwiches... but anyway... I was hungry, out walking for a few miles and knew I didn't really hav anything in the fridge back home so I decided to step in to one of these places, order a sandwich that would last two or three meals, and go home.

 

Geez -- first it was obvious I had never been there before as the two young women behind the counter made snickering remarks when I did not know I had to choose: 1) bread; 2) bread size; 3) fillers; 4) condiments; 5) sauce; 6)... you get the idea. I was mystifyed. I simply wanted a sandwich and not a dozen questions, and in the process loud music was blasting and the one taking my order was chatting on the phone with her BF while impatiently waiting for me to make the choices (in the right order no less).

 

This is one reason I try to avoid all of these fast-food chains such as Kentucky Fried, Burger King, McDonald's, Subway, etc... because it becomes a quiz on what you know of their menu (generally I know little or am clueless) and the impatience of the clerk trying to get your order done and you trying to do it and not sound as if you are from another planet because you cannot rattle off an order in their form of short-hand ("1 BIG MAC special meal, double cheese and bacon, hold the mayo, no tomatoes extra sauce on the side, large fries, large diet coke to go...!")

[jjkrkwood]

HUH ??? Where am I ?????

[Samai139]

First off---I'm 72, so I qualify as "old" in most people's eyes, and I wanted to get that out there first. Now on to the important stuff:

1. When I read the thread I was amused at the grandfather's discomfort because I could relate on a very personal level--to adjusting to a situation where I was out of my element, as he obviously was; but I also felt a little sentimental because here were three generations inter-acting with all the warts that most families have. So I was grateful that the thread was put up for us to read.

2. Very interesting reactions by several posters. After reading them, I agree that American children could probably be better trained? or taught how to treat their elders--that scenario would probably not happen in a French creamiery but American kids are raised in a kid-centric culture and we have to live with that---at least when dealing with the children of others.

3. The Subway experience made me smile also----I often cycle in the AM and find that the best fast-food place is the local Subway---quick, healthy if you make the right choices and clean. Mine does not have workers who would ever snicker at anyone's slowness in making choices and the manager would never allow servers to be on the phone while working. Having said all that, I can empathize with a customer coming in for the first time. Next time, or for those who have never been----check on the signs and follow them---bread choice, size of bread, type of sandwich (veggie, meatball, etc., etc.), then cheese, other things---lettuce, tomatoes, etc., etc. There are signs on the glass showing what's next. When you go there for the first time, it is slightly confusing---but you get to select what YOU want, which I enjoy.

4. Bottom line? This thread and the posters who replied reminded me once again of the diversity of people on this Forum and how much they all have to offer. Thanks guys for making Wednesday morning interesting )

[corndog]

Several times, I've passed a Subway in a non-english speaking country. Although tempted by the idea of familiar snack, the prospect of ordering in Subway while navigating a language barrier terrifies me.

[BostonPhil]

You guys are making me hungry for a club with vinegar!

[jjkrkwood]

You guys are making me hungry for a club with vinegar!

 

Their Tuna footlong on Honey Wheat is the Best !

[BostonPhil]

Their Tuna footlong on Honey Wheat is the Best !

 

I hate tuna sandwiches unless I make them myself.

 

Guys, I think the "older" is to provide context. Come on now, Max and I wouldn't be able to do what we do without enjoying the company of older gentlemen.

[jjkrkwood]

I hate tuna sandwiches unless I make them myself.

 

Guys, I think the "older" is to provide context. Come on now, Max and I wouldn't be able to do what we do without enjoying the company of older gentlemen.

 

Does your a la carte menu include pushing wheelchairs and changing their IV drips ???? I am sure the Depends change is standard fare ?