The elderly

If you work in a store and you see an old person coming you know you're usually in for something unpleasant. 
Here's why:

• They are often often unattractive and depressing to be around
• They're in physical discomfort so they're in bad moods
• They probably haven't made money for awhile so they're tight with what they have
• They can't control the aging process that's making them more and more shriveled and achy by the day so they exercise what control they can over you, a clerk
• If they are friendly they're talk to you forever about things that don't interest you and their need to talk to strangers will make you sad

Then there's the couple in the picture below. They didn't demand anything of anyone in the store and were pleasant to all they encountered. They came in, looked around, perused a few books, then left. They walked slowly, both on their way from frail to feeble. As they left, the Complete and Total Loser heard the woman say to the man, "You'd better hurry up if we're going to catch the bus." 
Catch the bus. Loved that.

This elderly couple was very nice.

Children's Letters to the Loser #26

Dear Complete and Total Loser,

Often, when my friends come over my dad hangs out with us. I like my dad. My friends do too and we like having him around, but sometimes I want to spend more time with just my friends. What can I say to him?

Ethan

Dear Ethan,

It's hard for old people to accept that they are old and sometimes they don't even know they are old. That may be hard for you to believe because they have jobs, cars and ugly skin but it's true. You have to make clear to your father what you did to me and do it with great diplomacy, a skill that may keep you from being a loser. As in your letter, put the positive first ("Dad, my friends and I like having you around") and cushion the negative and put it last ("but sometimes we like hanging out with no adults around"). He'll carp about this at first ("Well, it's time for your old dad to get his cane and head for bed") but he'll probably comply.

My best,

The Complete and Total Loser

It's often difficult for parents to let go of their young.