ArcaMax

Holding an inheritance over a relative’s head made for compelling characters in Dickens’ novels, but there is absolutely nothing to be gained – for anyone – in behaving this way. Patsy either hasn’t made the connection between her behavior and your money or she has made the connection and doesn’t care, so you’re off the hook.

Dear Amy: I'm 20 years old, and I work in a job where the median age is 30.

The closest person to my age is still five years older than me.

I feel like they never let me forget that I am so young, and despite my qualifications, sometimes they treat me as if I don't know anything.

This has been something I've been dealing with pretty much my whole life, as I started school early, but I still don't know how to handle it.

I don't see my co-workers as old, but I'm struggling to fit in when I can barely say anything without being reminded of my age. What should I do?

Too Young to Understand

Dear Too Young: Hang in. This is the downside of being precocious. I call it the “Doogie Howser Syndrome” (look it up).

You have your job for a reason. Your expertise is valuable, otherwise you wouldn’t be there. You might devise a comeback that works for you: “Wait a minute. I think I left my sippy cup in my lunch box…” – but mainly I hope that you will start to see your youth as a valuable asset – because it is.

Dear Amy: In your answer to “Not Born in the USA,” I could not believe that you would recommend watching a violent, horrible movie like “Goodfellas” to someone wanting to learn more about America! I was so disappointed in your choices.

Upset

Dear Upset: The way I see it, “Goodfellas” is as American as Dolly Parton. I was happy to include both.

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(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)