The Question Is Timeless, Not Ageless

(My mum and I are waiting in line to buy our ticket. We are behind two older ladies.)

Old Lady: “No, I’m not telling you my age. I tell you, it is most impolite for you to ask.”

Cashier: “I’m sorry, ma’am; I did not want to offend, but you do—”

Old Lady: “Well, you were. You don’t ask a lady her age!”

Cashier: “I’m sorry, but—”

Old Lady: “Give us our tickets already!”

(The cashier finishes the transaction, and still a bit undignified, both ladies leave. My mum and I approach the cashier.)

My Mum: “I have no problem telling you I am over 55, and have proof for you too. Now, I believe you do have senior citizen discount for which I qualify?”

Cashier: “Certainly, ma’am. So that will be one senior citizen and one adult?”

(Both ladies, clearly above 55, hear my mum speak; realizing their error, they look at their tickets and then to the cashier as to judge their chances of getting money back. With some disappointment, they decide against it.)