My sister recently had a “big” birthday. Leading up to her
birthday, I pressed my mother, sisters and sister’s boyfriend to make plans.
Should we have a party? Go away? Chip in for a present? Compulsive planners
need to know. Word was that she wasn't thrilled about her birthday and didn't didn’t
want a fuss made. I found that so silly; birthdays are blessings.We are all lucky just to be here. My sister and I both have friends we have lost who haven’t made it to celebrate
these days. I joked with my sister’s boyfriend, “so you guys are old, what’s
the big deal?” He said he’d check in with me with my time came and we could
talk further.
I’m still in my 30s and though I’ve seen those changes that
everyone warned me happen at that 35 mark (seems previously "good" parts become cause for concern and "bad" parts remain trouble areas) until recently
age wasn’t something I worried about. Perhaps one can only stress and
overthink so many things. I have always felt it’s not so much age but the place
you are in. I have a career I enjoy, a loving family and I’m healthy (knocking
desk).
Well that uncharacteristically grounded thinking was
shattered last weekend. We went to dinner at Marble Lane at the Dream Hotel.
After a
delicious meal, we stepped outside to get a taxi. We stood on the curb as my friend’s husband hailed a cab. After a couple of minutes, three 20-something girls in napkin-sized dresses charged
in front (regretfully no photo snapped). Presuming “innocence” he said, “we’re already waiting but you can
grab the next taxi.” They weren’t happy, rolled their eyes and said something
to the effect of “whatever”. At first I didn’t
react; I was too busy taking in the outfit choices.
My Friend: “Is there a
problem? Why the comments?”
Napkin Dress: “Oh my god, why don’t
you act your age.”
My Friend: “Excuse me,
did you say act your age, not a problem if you can act over 3.”
Neon Yellow Napkin Dress: “Seriously- you guys are
too old to be here.”
That was it, I couldn’t hold back, she called me old and I
had a martini in my system.
Me: “Even when I was 20, I wouldn’t go out with my
titties on full display. Plus, there's something called manners.”
There were a few more comments, in a desperate attempt to
prove she wasn’t a whore, yellow napkin told us she worked in finance. I may
have inquired if she interviewed in that dress, fortunately we were soon in the
taxi. We joked about what transpired but I looked at my friends and said, “do
you think we were too old to be there?”
I wish I could say I forgot about the Saturday night
skirmish but I woke up thinking about it. I went to workout and afterward
walked down the street fair on Columbus.
A large sign “Organic Skincare” caught my eye. I chatted up the owner of the company about ingredients and such and asked, “What product would
you suggest I start with?” She handed me this
“Mature Serum?” I asked.
“Don’t mind the name” she replied detecting my
disappointment “it’s great at any age.”
And so I did what any insulted and panicked person would do, I said “oh
sure, I understand, I’ll take it.”
We ended up having a “non birthday” dinner and chipping in for a special present for my sister. Despite her misgivings she was
really touched. I realize we all view
age in different ways and you never know when it’ll seem like a blessing or
when it’ll be a bitch.
Do you see age as a blessing or a bitch? What would you have
done if confronted by the napkin trio? Have you ever been hurt by anyone
commenting on your age?
Congratulations to our Indian Cookbook winners Kristen "swankydietitian" and Marie
Congratulations to our Indian Cookbook winners Kristen "swankydietitian" and Marie
