There was a pretentious think-piece in the Times this weekend (I know, that’s redundant) claiming that more women are lying about their age younger and younger.
The only reason I would lie is professional—I feel like I should be further in my career than I am at 42, and I hate working for people half my age. But socially, 42 doesn’t bother me a bit. I’m not looking for a husband or boyfriend, so I don’t care if men know how old I am.
I also know as many men as women who lie—one friend I went to college with is now six years younger than I am!
Until recently, I’ve had a tremendous advantage, though in not looking my age.
The fact that my mental age hasn’t kept up with the passing years also makes a difference, I think. People tend to assume that I’m just a very old looking child.
I turned 57 on Thanksgiving, '99
SDMB’s oldest living female!
Acclaimed author of: No Bad Brontosauri
365 Ways to Cook Sabertooth Tiger
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Wheel
But I would add a couple years. I will be 30 in August, my children will be 13 & 9 this weekend. The math is pretty telling. I just got tired of the explanations and the off looks from fellow parents at school functions, etc. etc. There seems to be a stigma that goes along with a woman that has her children at such a young age, and with good reason, no doubt. I knew I didn’t fit that stereotype and just wanted to avoid it.
Since then, I have become much more confident in myself, no need to rush 30. I’m thinking I may need to hang on to 29 for an extra year or so to make up.
I like it here-can I stay?
And do you have a vacancy for a Back-scrubber?
I haven’t lied about my age since I was a teenager. I’m 44, I’ve earned every year, and I’m proud of it. Most people are shocked when they learn my age, they think I am about 35.
I’ve learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it.
God, that article depressed me! Well, MOST of the things the TIMES publishes in the SundayStyles section depress me, come to think of it. The editor has a fascination for people who don’t seem to have to work for a living.
The idea that young people are living in mortal fear of their thirtieth birthdays, with an attitude of “If I haven’t made my first million by thirty I’m NEVER gonna make it” or “If I haven’t met the pefect mate by thirty I’m NEVER gonna find him/her”…and that they feel the solution to the problem is to make themselves younger by LYING, is really creepy.
Hey now! People say I resemble Jason–more his personality than his looks. I’m younger and not chubby, but my hair is almost as bad. You can look me up and see for yourself at: http://fathom.org/teemingmillions/profiles/
I don’t lie about my age, because I’m 29 and look much younger (go to my website, see my pics and judge for yourself!)
If anything, I wish I were a little older (for professional reasons). It’s hard to rub elbows with older professional people when they think you just got out of high school.
Zette
“If I had to live your life, I’d be begging to have someone pop out both my eyes. Just in case I came across a mirror.” - android209 (in the Pit) Zettecity
Voted “Most Empathetic”- can you believe that?
I don’t intentionally lie, but I may screw up the math occasionally. I honestly do not remember my age most of the time. It’s not something I think about. On the rare occasions when it’s necessary, I usually have to do the math. Lessee, 2000 minus 1963 + haven’t had a birthday yet this year = 36.
Funny you should ask that. Actually, I used to be more selfconscious about my age when I was in my early 30’s than I am now. I’ll be turning 41 this next June. People tell me that I look about 30 and usually act even younger, so I guess that’s okay.
You sing in my consciousness like a counterpoint to my life.
L.L.
