Thread: On getting old- ish

I've been old-ish for about the last 10 or 12 years - maybe longer. A comment that Haywire made on another thread brought back this memory: Years ago, I was having a conversation with a much younger friend and I offered that recently people, particulary women, now look right through me as if I weren't there. I glance THEIR way, prepared to offer a ready smile and greeting and - nothing. In a single instant, a millisecond, another person is able to make the assessment that I don't get a second look.

At that time, it was a recent development. Wherever I went, people USED to smile, nod, and engage me in conversation, so I asked that young friend for his take on the social dynamics. What he said served me well to this day.

He said, "You look outward through the EYES of a much younger man and you only see half of the scene. When you encounter a young woman, YOU see her as a social equal, but she sees YOU as the old guy at the pool she PRAYS won't take his shirt off!" I have always appreciated that frankness as I've since tried to see myself as others see me. It has saved me many times from acting foolish.

Ditto, I have had to see myself in the mirror while getting out of the shower for way too long to get any delusional ideas ;-)

I can certainly relate to both of you ,but it took a while longer to realize why I was not being seen . Now that I have come to terms with my aging I 'm much more comfortable in my own skin . Even though it sags a little .

Originally Posted by usa

I can certainly relate to both of you ,but it took a while longer to realize why I was not being seen . Now that I have come to terms with my aging I 'm much more comfortable in my own skin . Even though it sags a little .

Why do I see my grandfather in my bathroom mirror?

I remember a number of years ago, I happened to unexpectedly catch my reflection in a store window and thought, "Who is THAT old man?"

Since I celebrated my 70th birthday, I realize that middle age is rapidly catching up with me and that I have to learn to deal with it. I find myself wanting to do stuff like go fish the jetties before I remember that I'm far too old and fat for rock hopping any more. If I get a second look from a young woman, it's because I remind her of her favorite (or not) grandpa or it's because of the funny looking hat I wear.

Reminds me of what Jackie Kennedy was reputed to have said on the night of her wedding to Aristotle Onassis; "I think I feel old age creeping up on me."

There is still an 18 year old inside me wondering what the hell happened?

Looking for reasons to be grateful, I realized how wonderful it is that wrinkles don't hurt.
Last time I got cereal I realized that I was buying it for the fiber, not the toy.
When I bend over to tie my shoes, I try to think of anything else I can do while I'm down there.

Originally Posted by Haywire

Looking for reasons to be grateful, I realized how wonderful it is that wrinkles don't hurt.
Last time I got cereal I realized that I was buying it for the fiber, not the toy.
When I bend over to tie my shoes, I try to think of anything else I can do while I'm down there.

LOL....funny stuff....but all true.

Originally Posted by Haywire

When I bend over to tie my shoes, I try to think of anything else I can do while I'm down there.

Some days that is a chore itself.....till the bathroom calls to loose some