From the archive

You don't owe someone respect just because they're older

This isn't limited to age. A job title, a degree, family status, an expensive office: anything will do if it gets you out of answering the actual question. “Do you know who you're talking to?” Yes. Someone who hasn't yet explained why they're right. A boss may have the authority to make a decision. That doesn't make it intelligent. A parent may sincerely worry about you. That doesn't mean they know better than you what kind of life you want. It helps to distinguish someone's authority from the quality of their argument. And from the quality of their treatment of you.