[ChrisMarshallNY]

Thanks for that.

I'd say that's the type of stuff that insecure people do. As a manager (the one that made hire and fire decisions), I saw this type of behavior from folks across the age range. I'd gently suggest that, were you to look around, you'd see others behaving in similar manner; but, for whatever reason, you are noticing it more with this chap.

I remember seeing that attractive folks (of any gender) tended to have these types of behaviors ignored, and "attractive" doesn't just mean someone with whom we want to bump uglies, but also people that satisfy our confirmation bias.

I know that I had to constantly be examining that. I worked in an extremely diverse environment, and managed a lot of folks with a lot of quirks (and brains).

[CarbyAu]

"but, for whatever reason, you are noticing it more"

Most societies indoctrinate people to "respect their elders" to varying degrees.

A younger person having authority over an older person is a role reversal many are not equipped to deal with, from either side of that equation.

So it is noticed more.

Further, this elephant in the room has to be acknowledged before either side can move on meaningfully. But you can't "discriminate based on age" or you might end up in court depending on where in the world you are.

Makes it a tricky problem that I am not surprised people just "avoid".

[xab31]

> I'd gently suggest that, were you to look around, you'd see others behaving in similar manner; but, for whatever reason, you are noticing it more with this chap...confirmation bias.

I agree, I'm well aware of the possibility and am trying to combat it the best I can. But @CarbyAu is right, no one trained me in how to deal with this kind of situation and it is just inherently difficult for everyone.

That said, from his side, if I were a member of a $GROUP that had certain negative stereotypes about it, I'd consider it wise for my own personal interests to try to avoid playing directly into the stereotype.