While We're on the Subject...
of comments, I have to ask about something. People are always telling me I don't look old enough to have this many kids (i'm old enough to take this as a compliment). I generally just smile and say something like "good genetics I guess". However, there is always this awkward pause like they are waiting for me to tell my age. I generally choose not to tell my age, although i'm not sure why. Would you (or do you) tell your age? Or if you were the commenter would you expect to hear the age?
posted by Amie at 9:16 AM
15 Comments:
First of all, you do look unbelievably young! I would guess that people think you are 16 because your face looks young and you are so petite! People might fall over if you told them your age. :-D
I would guess that people are expecting to hear your age, but I don't think you are obligated to tell them. Saying what you say or that you're older than you look or simply "thank you" is fine, I think.
People say that to me too. I am wondering how old do they think you have to be? I was 20 when I had the girls and 22 with Cole. I tell them, but I am not sure why. Then they are like "oh" and leave it alone.
You do look young, but yes, taht is a compliment.
I always tell my age. Maybe someday that will change now that I'm heading toward my mid 30s.
Maybe not, though. My Nana has always told her age and is now proud to tell people she's 88, so maybe I'll be like her.
I wouldn't expect to hear your age if I said that. Otherwise I'd say "Wow, you look so young to have so many - how old are you?" but only if I felt comfortable asking your age. I'm generally NOT age sensitive. I don't care if people know my age - I don't know if that will change when I get older or not. I hope not. I would just take it as a compliment and enjoy it. In most people's opinion, I am kind of young to have four kids already - but they don't make that comment unless they know my age.. Generally they think J and I are older than we are - I don't know if it's because we look like we are or just because they know we've been married for a while and have so many kids...
I should clarify that I don't withhold my age (28 by the way) because I don't want them to know. I guess I just don't know if they are expecting it. Like Megan suggested, it would be nice if they added a "if you don't mind, how old are you?"
I always got the "Can I see your ID" routine as well. Sometimes it would be down right embarrassing (got kicked out of Canadian bars before, and I was the only person in the group legal to drink in MI.)
After having kids, I am told I still look very young but I know I have aged 10years in my looks. Seldom do I get the ID checks now.
My mom and grandmother look very young for their ages too, must be genetics from both sides of the family.
Let me ask, should I take offense to the fact that in less than 3 years people stopped asking how old I am? hehe.
I usually make some sort of joke and tell people how old I am. I am proud to be 33 years, although, I find myself looking for face cream to help firm and retain the elasitcity more than I could have ever imagined.LOL
Yes, "good genetics" - and I've used that one myself, and I really believe it's true. I've also replied, "I'm old enough" or just a simple, "Oh. Well, thank you." You don't need to tell your age. It's none of their business.
I was insulted by these sorts of comments (and getting carded) through my 20's. Now I have to admit I love it. I just finished my college degree last summer (at 40), and I can't tell you how many times I was grilled about face creams and such by 20-somethings. (This is where "it's good genetics" isn't appreciated - even if it's true, lol - so I told them to stay out of the sun and drink lots of water... neither of which can hurt!)
As a Mom of four boys myself...ages 18, 16, 11, and 7, I always tell my age. People tell me I look younger than I am and I'm glad...but I also think I've worked hard to get where I am. Blessings!!
I've always wondered why some women lie about their age. The person looking at you has an opinion of how old you appear to be. If you tell them you're younger than you are, they'll think- boy, she looks old for her age (or they'll think she's lying). Either way, better to tell the truth and have them think- boy, she looks young for her age. Not that visitors to this site are likely to be among that group (that lies about it), I've just never understood the reasoning of women who claim to be younger than they are. I'm 51, but I read at a 54 year old level.
Mark - I admit I have stretched my age before - up, for the same reason you just stated. When nearing an age, I just go ahead and claim it. This works especially well when crossing the decade threshholds... If people look surprised when they hear 39, they'll stare open-mouthed when they hear 40.
Well, I don't have kids, so I don't get those comments, but I do get carded still nearly every time I go out. I generally say "I'm THIRTY!" mostly because I find it so amazing that I actually am 30. and then the person behind the bar will generally say "oh, I still get carded all the time too, don't worry" or "you don't look 30." but I don't think you have to tell your age. if people are curious but not bold enough to ask a question, well, that's not your fault!
I get the "you're too young" statement ALL the time too. I just smile, say thank you and then ask them how old they think I am. They usually act pleasently suprised when I tell them how old I really am (almost 27 by the way), as if I would be way too young to have four kids if I was any younger. Sometimes after hearing my age they still think I am too young. I then tell them that I guess when I am forty I will look younger and that will be great for me. Usually if they are around that age their smiles will fade. Teehee!
I'd tell them. It's a huge compliment if people say that you look too young to be the mother of 4. I think they expect to be told, not that you don't have the right to say or to not say.
I usually give my age if someone asks. I was always considered to be younger than I am, however I think I'm starting to catch up to my current age :) I don't like it when people guess my age because I'm scared they'll guess over :) I don't normally ask for people's age though, because I don't feel it's polite.
I get the "you don't look old enough" comment quite frequently as well. I answer with, "well, I sure feel old enough!" I don't mind telling my age at all. I think it's sort of taboo to ask a woman's age though I'm not sure why. I would never be offended by the question. I don't always offer up the info, I do if they ask. Age is just a number, I don't see why some want to hide it.
Post a Comment
<< Home