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From my own experience I'd agree that "young man" pretty much ends at 29. I was happy to turn 30 because I felt that I then finally "fit in" with the mature age group. I was a very successful businessman in my late 20s and always felt like a kid amongst my peers before reaching 30. It wasn't until later that I realized the how much older guys respect young men for attaining success while still young.
But it wasn't until my 50s that I realized how little I knew when in my 20s and 30s. And for me it was turning 60 that made me suddenly feel old. I'm 65 now. Yup, I was right. Now I just want to retire and fade into the sunset.
I think the term "young man" applies to the age group of 18-25. Starting around 26, I would think you've grown to the point where you're starting to show mental maturity in your views on life, and thus no longer should be referred to as "young man". Like WyoNewk said, I was HAPPY to hit 30. I finally felt like I was a mature adult who would be taken seriously. However, I don't think you really become a "sir" until you've hit the age of 40. And then the first time a "young man" called me "sir", it made me feel old.
P.S. When I was younger, if someone asked me how old I was, I wouldn't have cared to tell them. After I passed 35 (I won't say how many years ago that was ), if someone asked me, I'd say "How old do you think I am?". If they guessed under my age, I'd thank them. If they guessed older, I'd say "Shame on you!" These days if someone asked, I'd probably say one of a few things. Either "Old enough to know better, but young enough to get away with it"....OR...."Over 21 and under 50". At some point I imagine I'll simply say "I beg your pardon, what was the question?".
Last edited by insightofitall; 01-18-2011 at 10:14 AM..
There's a flip side. About a year ago I took my then two year old to Wal-Mart.
In the checkout line the clerk asks her:
"Is this your grandpa?"
Not to go too far off topic....
Joe Buck, the baseball sportscaster, was interviewing a star baseball player, Tony Womack after the game. During the interview, a woman comes running up to the player and gives him a congratulatory hug and kiss and she runs off.
I used to work in a bar that had a strong following in the 24 - 35+ range. If bad behavior and immaturity are the litmus for 'young man'. We are all young men. ;-)
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), if someone asked me, I'd say "How old do you think I am?". If they guessed under my age, I'd thank them. If they guessed older, I'd say "Shame on you!" These days if someone asked, I'd probably say one of a few things. Either "Old enough to know better, but young enough to get away with it"....OR...."Over 21 and under 50". At some point I imagine I'll simply say "I beg your pardon, what was the question?". 
