When I was a Sunday school teacher at my church, the kids used to call me "Miss Kelly" even though I was only 16-20! The funny thing is that I never instructed them to address me that way!
I've had people address me as "Miss" and "Ma'am" - I'm 26 years old and I don't mind at all.
My father taught me to always address adults respectfully. Ohhhh myyyy goodnesssss....I would *never* let my dad hear me call my friend's mom "Patty" instead of saying, "Mrs. Smith." Conversely, my friends were not allowed to call my dad "Mike." It's always been "Mr. ____" or "Papa", for close friends who are practically like sisters to me.
Growing up, I was quite mature for my age as far as thought process and conduct goes. As an adult, I do believe that I act my age. My biological sister, who is older, does not always act her age (she acts younger).
But anyway, I agree with the article that adults don't want to be seen as old, yet they want younger people to give proper respect which was historically given to "older people". That message is confusing. Either you're a "respected adult", or you're their "hip friend" - crossing the two starts to get things all mixed up!
.....Kelly
