Discussing One's Age

pookie82 · 30-08-2008 9:50pm #1

Ever notice the unwritten rules about the discussion of one's age?

Up until you're about 35 or maybe a little older generally people are ok with sharing their age. Then you hit the middle years and all of a sudden it's rude to ask one's age and everyone lies and hides the truth.

Then I've noticed there's a sudden re-emergence of pride once you hit around 80 + or in particular, 90 +. You feel free to tell everyone your age again (if you can remember it at this stage) because it's a source of pride that you've now made it this far.

I don't see why anyone should ever have cause to hide their age. You'll often get middle aged people, particularly women, jokingly (but seriously, really) telling innocent kids who ask them what age they are that you shouldn't ask a lady blah blah and they really don't want to disclose it! Bizarre. most people can have a fair oul guess at it anyway and probably see how old they are. Maybe it's just a form of denial re: getting old. I hope I never reach a stage where I feel I have to lie about or hide my age. There's really no point!

30-08-2008 9:53pm

Wow. That post seems very long on the mobile device. Women until the age of eighteen say theyre older. From then on they say theyre younger. Must be the cooties or something

brianthebard · 30-08-2008 9:58pm

I'm quite self conscious about sharing my age at this stage, because just about everyone I meet these days thinks I'm 30 or more-I'm actually 22.

And then when I tell them there's a mix of shock, horror and fear etched across their face. Not good for the esteem levels! I suppose thats why older women lie about their age.

Stheno · 30-08-2008 10:01pm

brianthebard wrote: »

I'm quite self conscious about sharing my age at this stage, because just about everyone I meet these days thinks I'm 30 or more-I'm actually 22. And then when I tell them there's a mix of shock, horror and fear etched across their face. Not good for the esteem levels! I suppose thats why older women lie about their age.

Who cares? I'm 35 and not really bothered by it.

Tho the reaction is funny when people get your age wrong, similiari to asking a woman when they are due and it turns out they are not pregnant, they've just put on loads of weight

brianthebard · 30-08-2008 10:12pm

I care, I'm 22 FFS, I am not in my fourth decade!!!!! Dammit I'm a long haired hoodie wearing student type, why are people so confused?????

Stheno · 30-08-2008 10:13pm

brianthebard wrote: »

I care, I'm 22 FFS, I am not in my fourth decade!!!!! Dammit I'm a long haired hoodie wearing student type, why are people so confused?????

Maybe you just look mature?

Don't worry it will mean older laydees will find you attractive

Davidius · 30-08-2008 10:15pm

People lie about their age because they believe lying is fun.

Though I do wonder how the topic of age is brought up as often as everybody leads me to believe.

And on the topic of age, it's my birthday. Presents? :pac:

brianthebard · 30-08-2008 10:16pm

nouggatti wrote: »

Maybe you just look mature?

Don't worry it will mean older laydees will find you attractive

I wish I could see it, at least then it wouldn't be so annoying. And I've yet to have a hot older lady want to play between the sheets with me, if it happened I probably wouldn't be so bothered.

Red Hand · 30-08-2008 10:18pm

They'll just take out their false teeth and wave them at you.:) Mind you don't step on their boobs.

pookie82 · 30-08-2008 10:19pm

Davidius wrote: »

People lie about their age because they believe lying is fun.

Though I do wonder how the topic of age is brought up as often as everybody leads me to believe.

And on the topic of age, it's my birthday. Presents? :pac:

Happy birthday

animan · 30-08-2008 10:19pm

A woman asked me if I was going back to college this year and I'm only 15.

Stheno · 30-08-2008 10:21pm

animan wrote: »

A woman asked me if I was going back to college this year and I'm only 15.

Even worse two years ago I was asked in work if I was part of the graduate entry scheme, and I'm 35

Being babyfaced is not all it's cracked up to be lol

Kojak · 30-08-2008 10:22pm

brianthebard wrote: »

I'm quite self conscious about sharing my age at this stage, because just about everyone I meet these days thinks I'm 30 or more-I'm actually 22. And then when I tell them there's a mix of shock, horror and fear etched across their face. Not good for the esteem levels!

The same thing happens me - I'm 23 but have often been told I look 30.

I always have a good laugh at their facial expressions when they realise how wrong they are..

Latchy · 30-08-2008 10:25pm

Age is as much a state of mind as anything else .

Their are a lot of sad 20 sometings out there and a lot of very happy middle aged people . The latter have no problem discussing their real age

GirlInterrupted · 30-08-2008 10:30pm

Davidius wrote: »

People lie about their age because they believe lying is fun.

Though I do wonder how the topic of age is brought up as often as everybody leads me to believe.

And on the topic of age, it's my birthday. Presents? :pac:

Heres a present of best wishes and many happy returns etc.:D

latchyco wrote: »

Age is as much a state of mind as anything else .

Their are a lot of sad 20 sometings out there and a lot of very happy middle aged people . The latter have no problem discussing their real age

I've never heard my mum lie about her age. Or any of my older female relatives actually, and yes, they are a pretty happy bunch...

Carsinian Thau · 30-08-2008 10:45pm

Davidius wrote: »

People lie about their age because they believe lying is fun.

Though I do wonder how the topic of age is brought up as often as everybody leads me to believe.

And on the topic of age, it's my birthday. Presents? :pac:

I give you the gift of wisdom: Don't eat yellow snow.
Also, Happy Birthday etc.

Latchy · 30-08-2008 10:47pm

GirlInterrupted wrote: »

I've never heard my mum lie about her age. Or any of my older female relatives actually, and yes, they are a pretty happy bunch...

That's good to hear .

I'm in my mid 40s and like your mum am quite happy with my age

marti101 · 30-08-2008 11:01pm

I have no problem telling people im 35.Whats the point in lying you are always caught out.Just be proud of your age.Actually this happened to me abot college.I was only back in work from being on maternity leave couple of weeks ago and this women asks me when am i back in college.And when i was enrolling my son into secondary school that i couldnt be his mother as i was to young.God that compliment felt good,even my son still mentions that now.Or when Aldi/Lidl refused me beer[about 5 years ago] cause i had no id.Or the best one was some women telling me i was very good bringing my brothers out.Im an only child,this happened about 7/8 years ago.I think its an awful lot about the way you carry yourself.

Zaph · 30-08-2008 11:15pm

I'm 41, although for some reason people generally think I'm anything up to 8 or 9 years younger. However, even if they thought I looked 8 or 9 years older it still wouldn't alter the fact that I'm 41. I've never had a problem telling someone how old I am if they ask, so I really don't understand why some people lie about it.

aidan24326 · 30-08-2008 11:16pm

I agree with the OP, it's stupid when people get all offended about being asked their age. Who cares? It's just a number, and getting older is one thing that none of us can do anything about, you can't stop time.

Latchy · 30-08-2008 11:24pm

Perhaps it's a reflection of the eternal youth ' society we live in today .Not everybody wants to be 21 again .Mabey be in the physical sense yes ,but would you wnat to swop all that expierence of life you gained growing up and as an older person ,for the folly and innocence of youth ??

( virginity aside

? LOL

31-08-2008 3:38am

It takes threats to the health and safety of the kittens I like, to weedle my age out of me.
I have been getting depressed by my advancing age ever since I hit double figures.

31-08-2008 3:52am

latchyco wrote: »

Perhaps it's a reflection of the eternal youth ' society we live in today .Not everybody wants to be 21 again .Mabey be in the physical sense yes ,but would you wnat to swop all that expierence of life you gained growing up and as an older person ,for the folly and innocence of youth ??

( virginity aside ? LOL

Yes.

MagicMarker · 31-08-2008 3:53am

When i was 20 people said i looked about 28. I thought that was cool tbh:)

Now i'm nearing quarter century, i still look about 28! So long as i get sexier as i get older i'll be a happy camper, you know those people, who weren't much to look at but with age comes sex appeal, Hugh Laurie being a classic example.

phasers · 31-08-2008 7:53am

I lie about my age, but just to get into bars or to buy drink. I'm pretty tall so I don't usually get any hassle

jos28 · 31-08-2008 9:40am

I'm 48 and I don't care who knows my age. Just enjoy life whatever age you are. There are pros and cons about every stage of life.

KBarry · 31-08-2008 10:42am

jos28 wrote: »

I'm 48 and I don't care who knows my age. Just enjoy life whatever age you are. There are pros and cons about every stage of life.

+1 Just before my 37th birthday the other week people people were asking me old I'd be and I kept saying 38. I was forgetting my age because it doesn't matter a bit to me. 30s is a brilliant age tbh.
A guy at work was telling people he was 46 but he's clearly a lot older. Somebody got hold of his records from personnel and it turns out he's 54! :rolleyes:
Old people love telling people how old they are. My nan did anyway. She'd be stopping random passers-by and telling them "I'm 80 you know."

AlmightyCushion · 31-08-2008 10:44am

Davidius wrote: »

And on the topic of age, it's my birthday. Presents? :pac:

It's my birthday too! High five. \o (well my birthday was yesterday).

Personally, I don't really care about my age. It's just a number.

ewj1978 · 31-08-2008 10:59am

Why get worried? Worry = Stress = death :O

Just enjoy life and stop being worried about inane crap..

rainbow kirby · 31-08-2008 11:32am

I am 24 and I have been ID'd for alcohol more in the last 2 months than in the 3 years before that. I don't know whether to take it as a compliment or an insult.

Toto Wolfcastle · 31-08-2008 11:38am

Meh age is just a number and people who lie about it must be very insecure.

My dad could get away with saying he's 30 and no one believes he's old enough to have a 22 year old daughter, but he has no problem saying that he's 50.

I'm pretty much going to look a lot younger than I am for a good few years. I look about 16 now! But I'll never lie about my age, and if someone asks I certainly wont give out to them for asking.

Latchy · 31-08-2008 1:46pm

janeybabe wrote: »

Meh age is just a number and people who lie about it must be very insecure.

My dad could get away with saying he's 30 and no one believes he's old enough to have a 22 year old daughter, but he has no problem saying that he's 50.
.

I can go along with that to .:)

I feel chuffed when people young and older still say to be ' hey lad ' but i to have no problem saying i'm 48

Zillah · 31-08-2008 1:54pm

Now that I've hit 24 I don't feel exactly young anymore. Certainly not old but I do feel like I miss 19 and I feel a bit weird saying my age out loud.

The idea of lying about my age though is quite absurd.

31-08-2008 1:55pm

I had been wondering how you knew what a latchyco was.

I don't think it has to do with insecurity.
I like being my age, I just don't like change.

Terry · 31-08-2008 2:16pm

I can't wait until I'm older and get that dignified look. Then I can do some hot 20 year old.

31-08-2008 2:17pm

You already are there...get doing already.

The Recliner · 31-08-2008 2:25pm

Meh age doesn't really bother me

I felt I was old once I turned 20 so any age since then hasn't bothered me really

I am 30 now and the only time it has bothered me was going to a Boards event and realising that most people there were about 10 years younger than me, still had a good night though

owenmakken · 31-08-2008 2:38pm

nouggatti wrote: »

Maybe you just look mature?

Don't worry it will mean older laydees will find you attractive

ugh.. You tryin to make him feel worse?

ewj1978 · 31-08-2008 2:48pm

owenmakken wrote: »

ugh.. You tryin to make him feel worse?

and whats wrong with the older laydees? They have needs as well!... btw any older ladies need their needs sorting just pm me

Latchy · 01-09-2008 11:57am

Moonbaby wrote: »

I had been wondering how you knew what a latchyco was.

QUOTE]

Why were you wondering ?

It's an old dublin word for mischievous person (but not bad) .Do you have another different interpretation Moon ?

pickarooney · 01-09-2008 3:11pm

Davidius wrote: »

And on the topic of age, it's my birthday. Presents? :pac:

Have some imaginary gifts on me. Presents of mind.

Black Swan · 01-09-2008 4:22pm

OK, how about the flip side of this argument? If age is not all that important to most posters on this thread, then why ask it?

01-09-2008 4:26pm

latchyco wrote: »

Why were you wondering ?

It's an old dublin word for mischievous person (but not bad) .Do you have another different interpretation Moon ?

I have a slightly different definition.
I was only ndering because I assumed you were in your early 20's and I don't hear younger people using the word.

Black Swan · 01-09-2008 5:07pm

What most are ignoring is that knowing someone's age is important to them, or they wouldn't bother to ask it?

Time and again I see ageism threads on AH, PI, and LL. "Is (s)he too old for me, or too young?" If age wasn't important, then why ask? Or lie?

Western culture worships youth. Consequently, there is a great demand for female fashion models in their late teens to very early 20s, who often starve themselves to fit into size 0 or 2, where girls or young women look more like tweens.

I came to the States when 18 and am now 21, and I've found them to be very age conscious. For example, at 18 you can enlist and die for your country, but you cannot have a beer until 21. They also have age discrimination laws for employment over here. Persons 45 or older need this legal protection, because historically they have been discriminated against (or they would not have the law?).

But in Ireland we are not age conscious at all, that's why we become adults at the magic age of 17, or we have films rated 17 or older? And we never ask someone their age, cause age is not important to us. What a craic!

Dudess · 01-09-2008 6:19pm

Zillah wrote: »

Now that I've hit 24 I don't feel exactly young anymore. Certainly not old but I do feel like I miss 19 and I feel a bit weird saying my age out loud.

The idea of lying about my age though is quite absurd.

Lots of people feel younger than they are, due to how quickly time goes once you leave school.

shoelaceface · 01-09-2008 6:28pm

my name is shoelaceface, im 21 and im an eegit

ChewChew · 01-09-2008 6:40pm

I'm 25 and my age never bothers me but it did freak me out a bit to see the kids I babysat all grown up now. Although it's such a turn on to find 'younger' guys attractive. Like to find the 18/19 yr old guys a bit sexeh. oh yea. But I have no problem telling anyone my age, nor have I a problem with anyone asking me my age.

Discussing One's Age

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