Rules: Golden vs. Platinum

In my readings of John Maxwell and Zig Ziglar, I have come across a disagreement in how to treat others. The former says to use the golden rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated. The latter preaches the platinum rule: Treat others as they would like to be treated. I tend to see the world as black and white with gray in the middle. I think these rules fall into the gray category. It is important to treat others with the respect you would want, but it is also important to remember that we tell people how to treat us by the clothes we wear, the things we say, and the people we hang out with. For example, An older gentleman who is reading the paper and smiling at passersby and a young man wearing black clothes and makeup while starring you down while you walk by are not sending the same message, The old man is inviting, while the young man is saying something completely different.  My point is this: Be educated, be well read, get to know many different kinds of people. In doing this, you will better understand how to treat anyone you come in contact with.