Age is a funny thing. Are we not defined by it? Yet, there are so many variables. I know that sounds absurd, but think about this.....
My date of birth is August 19, 1968. 1968 is a year based on a Christian calendar. What if I'm not a Christian? Does that change my age?
There are tons of quizzes and calculations available on the Web to figure mental age, virtual age, what age you will live to, etc etc etc.
So what if I determine my virtual age, based on physical traits, current living and social situations, and risk factors, to be 32? And say I fully believe that and start telling people that is my age? Doesn't really matter, does it? Because my drivers license is based on my date of birth and therefore my age is based on my date of birth. AND even if I didn't have to show that, I know I can count on my friends and children to always tell my calendar age!
Oooooo.....I think that is how I will respond from now on...."My calendar age is 41 but my virtual age is 32."
hehehehe....I like that!
(I have no doubt that I am NOT the first to come up with this! Or use it)
I think men lie about their age more than women. Looking at the profiles on the dating sites, there are some men who are putting that they are in their 30's or 40's and they LOOK much older. Perhaps they haven't aged well physically but I have dated one or two who admitted they were older when we met in person than what they had listed on their profile because they were afraid women would exclude them based purely on age. (As if they themselves didn't do that with the women's profiles?)
And how many of us have said, and believe, that girls mature faster than boys? I believe it...but can maturity be figured into the age factor? And if so, that makes sooooo much sense as to why my 8 year old son rarely acts his (calendar) age!
Please leave me a comment if you read this. And let me know your thoughts if you are so inclined. I'm mostly curious as to how many people (if any) read my off-the-wall thoughts.
I admit the higher my "number" goes, the more I'm starting to enjoy life and I know that makes me strange to some. People do lie about their ages based on how other people are going to judge them. That just scratches the surface of what people do based on how others will judge them!
ReplyDeleteWhat I love about you Karey, and this blog, is that you are saying what you think - in spite of the risk of being judged! That's a sign of real maturity - regardless of what number your age says.
I am reading it! And, I am loving that you are putting your thoughts out there! I wish that I could express my thoughts as well as you!
ReplyDeleteI think "picture" age has to come into play. Women wear make up, some know how to pose, or get their "best" side. Get up closed and there are things that makeup can't cover. Men, not so much. And men tend to use more current pictures. When iIfirst got into real estate, most of the agents with their pics on their cards were women. I thought it was some kind of rule that you couldn't use a pic less than 10 year old.
ReplyDeleteAnd more on the age thing. I'm 38 year old today and delighted that I've made it this far. I haven't lied about my age since I bought wine coolers at Big John's (no longer in business on 34th St) when I was 15. But then I am hardly ever embarrassed, about anything. Definitely not my age. I've crammed a lot of fun into 38 years and am excited about the next 60 or so.
I've only judged my potential dates on their age for convenience and compatability. If he's retiring as I'm working hard on my career, that won't work. I'll be jealous. And if he's not old enough to know who shot JR or how to use a rotary dial phone, he's not a good companion for me. I always used the "younger than my dad but older than my little bro" rule and I think 56-29 is a good range.
So, yea, I'm readin this stuff and diggin the hell out of it. :)
You just completely made my day, Amy! I hope your birthday is the BEST ever! xoxo
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