Why do 'older' (over approx 45..50..) demand respect from young people?

Question

This is following on from my previous question. It seems I hit a nerve on most of the older folk.

My question is why should young people respect old'er' people. Do the older people respect them? Respect is a 2-way thing.

I do respect those older (actually any age) people who encourage me, motivate me, inspire me..

But in MY experience I have found that all old'er' people always want to put us youngsters down. They cant stand us being happy or acheiving anything.

*This question applies to the catty older woman mainly, but I welcome all views''

Im 25 - for information.

Answer 1

I am 47 and enjoy speaking to younger people. Many ask for advice about paperwork or other things which they find difficult and I am happy to oblige. I think most are generally good, given half a chance. Respect is a two-way thing.

When I was growing up, we were taught to show respect to people who were older and that is dying out. Many people of my age are sad to see that happening. Admittedly, I think it's a small minority of young people who spoil it for the rest.

Answer 2

Respect is earned, not demanded. When an Adult "demands" respect from their child, without earning it, it only creates fear.
"In YOUR experience you have found that "all" older people "always" want to put you youngsters down. They can't stand us to be happy or achieving anything" is not a fair statement, anymore than for me to say that "All youngsters are dis respectful" which simply is not true.
If you are 25, I consider you a young adult, not a youngster. I believe that the young people here would vouch for some of us older folk, to be quite cool, and not demanding at all.

Answer 3

I am 58 and quite like the young 'uns here in Tunbridge Wells. They seem a nice lot and are little angels compared to where I used to live in Surrey. I work at the Glastonbury festival (amongst others) during the summer, if I had any sort of problem with the young folk I would be rather lonely at these festies as no-one would talk to me. I find that if I am respectful and friendly to others, they are respectful back. I do not like all the miserable old gits who whinge all the time about "little buggers" All they are is sad old farts who resent youth as they wasted theirs on being miserable, sod them I say!

Answer 4

Not all of us 'older' folks demand respect from you younger folk. I think demanding it is wrong. I had to earn mine. I had to earn it from my kids, from my peers, from my co-workers. I know a 21 year old girl in my workplace who has earned my respect. AMAZING girl. She is so focused and level headed. She has goals and dreams and she is working very hard to get there. The great thing about her is that she is not afraid to have fun at the same time. It's a balancing act that I have seen few in their 40's accomplish, much less someone her age. If you are like this, (and it seems you are,) you have my respect, already. I won't demand it of you.

Answer 5

A one word answer. Experience. The older folks have been around and seen many things that are new to the younger generations. You don't get this until you get older.
Tradition also says you respect your elders. They have worked to get the world to where it is so you can enjoy the priveledges you have.
You don't have to respect them but it will shut you out of so much because they control the money.

Answer 6

Respect is something that everyone should give everyone else, automatically. You shouldn't have to "earn" someone's respect, you should get it gratis. If people then behave in a poor way, you may lower your respect for them, though the big thing to do is always respect everybody. Tough to do!
Age ought to be irrelevant. (I'm 44, so I'm sure that I'll change my opinion when I'm 45 and expect you young-uns to bow down, Lol!

Answer 7

You might be 25 but you have the maturity level of a 15 year old....apologies to all 15 yr olds. I read and answered your previous question and thought that you were probably 14 or 15...you probably receive negative comments from "older" people due to the way you present yourself.
I don't know anyone that demands respect but I know plenty of people that command respect....even in their early twenties....because of their attitude and maturity.

Answer 8

I'm surprised to hear you are 25. You sound like your 12. I can tell your parents, never taught you the true meaning of respect, or maybe they did, and you weren't listening. Either way, you're clueless in that department. Sounds like you need to have an attitude adjustment, because you will never get anywhere, with the attitude you have now.....

Answer 9

I demand respect from you young-un's, 'cos I fought in the war for you, and I've still got all my own teeth.
I also go to my luncheon club every Tuesday & Friday. The key's on a string behind the letterbox, & my life savings are the Quality Street tin..
:)

Answer 10

If you "demand" respect, you'll never get it...you have to "command" respect, by respecting others....You are right, it is a 2 way street,,,,be respectful of them and their respect for you will follow...