Gentlemen...start your engines

That's the one I never got....

I guess I just don't see the term "gentleman" as a unique description of a well dressed, well mannered, well "monied" man. I think in our society, when the term "gentleman" is used by a stranger, it is used as a respectful term and not as a put down. My sense of what you are saying is that because you were dressed ...uh, casually, you felt that the store guy put you down by using the term. Myself, I personally don't think so...but you were there, maybe there was other "tells" that indicated that that was his intent. Cheers

[COLOR="Green"]I'm sure he was just trying too avoid a lawsuit..

'he dis-respected me..'
COLOR]

Rika

I think that this is probably pretty true, the service sector has to bend over backwards to avoid potential problems.

When I'm waiting in line somewhere and say to the clerk, "This gentleman was next," I'm not only trying to be civilized - I'm also giving the person the benefit of the doubt. I would hope for the same from others.

If its a function of dress or appearance, what would the nature of this post be if he called you bro or dude

Sounds like it may have been said patronizingly. Almost like a put down?

Wearing flip-flops you definitely didn't qualify as a "gentleman".

I always assume someone is a gentleman or a lady until they prove otherwise.

Bernie

I got sir once, looked around for people behind me before I realized oh.... she's talking to me

Next time shave your privates first, then when they say something, look down at your shorts and say; they must be talking about you little fella.:D

When someone calls me Sir I find it amusing that they assume I have been Knighted.

Maybe OP doesnt want to be presumed a gentleman?

Being born and raised in the south, saying Sir, Ma'am, please, thank-you, etc. are automatic for most even if you are Tabs on the receiving end. Also opening, and holding doors open and letting women enter elevators first too. We can still be azzholes, but we're quite polite about it :)

ps: We also actually let cars merge in too...oh, the horror!

Call me professor or doctor. Gentleman just does not cut it for me ;).

Geeze, Give someone else who is trying to be polite a break, will you?
I urge service staff to never judge someone by their dress, posture, facial features or expression, race, or accessories.

If you think the term "Gentleman" was meant to be condescending or patronizing, it must have been delivered with a whole dose of sarcasm.

As stated above, at least the staff noticed and acknowledged you. In this day and age that is something to be happy about.

Oh heck, I'm just glad young women smile at me. I try not to think it's because I remind them of their Grand dad.

Hang in there.
Les

So how do you get the attention of someone whose name you do not know?

I guess those two would work for me also.....wouldn't be accurate, but still it would sure make me feel important. Some of us only have "gentleman"...LOL,or you or guy or dude...etc...

I really don't get this thread. People are complaining because someone was polite to them?

Weird thread.

angela