You realize in their world, you're an old man
For the love of a good employee, don't creep 'they' out
I was in a convenience store just past my 40th birthday. There were two of these "little birds" giggling and gossiping behind the counter and ignoring me. I was in a gentle mood so I waited for their conversation to end.
It went like this:
1st girl: "So....did you go out with him?"
2nd: "Nah...I couldn't, it would have been gross!"
1st girl: "Why, he seems cute?"
2nd: "But he is WAY too old!"
1st girl: "How old is he?"
2nd: "God, I can hardly say this. He's 30!!"
1st girl: "Ewwww gross......I couldn't do that, I'd puke"
2nd: "Well now you know. It creeps me out every time he comes by"
By then my day was ruined. 19 years later, it still hurts.
To be fair, I dated a 33 year old when I was 20. I was embarrassed to tell anyone I knew because it made me pretty uncomfortable too.