A few weeks ago, I did something I vowed I would never do, I lied about my age. Well to be accurate, I didn’t so much lie as I stretched the definition of the late 60s to include 1965, the year I was born.
I was submitting a piece to an online publication that caters to women in their 40s, and I didn’t want to advertise the fact that I would be leaving the club in less than four months. The thought then crossed my mind that perhaps I should go through all my essays, take out any reference to my actual age, and replace it with more vague terms such as, “midlife,” “Gen X,” or just start saying I’m in my forties and just forget, at least for the next five years, that October 27th will bring me my official AARP application form.
It’s not my obligation to announce my age, is it? My youngest child just turned 10. So my experiences as a mom are still relevant to women in their 30s and 40s who are also knee deep in homework, play dates, and PTA meetings. Why should I make myself less attractive to that demographic because I’m a few years older?
It’s tempting to turn the clock back a bit whether it’s for one’s career or personal life. I totally understand why some women choose not to reveal their true age. But in the end, I decided to not lie about soon hitting my half-century mark. The fact that my piece was rejected made it a tad easier. Here are my top 10 reasons why I will now always be truthful about my age:
10.) After almost 50 years on this planet, I will be damned if I’m going to deny even one minute of my hard-earned wisdom.
9.) I’m really looking forward to saying to people, I’m 50 years old, I don’t have time for this nonsense.
8.) Thanks to my Italian genes and my distaste for baking in the sun in my teens and twenties, I am frequently taken for much younger than I am. I really like people looking surprised when I tell them how old I am. I don’t think I would enjoy it if I told someone I’m 42 or 45, and they just looked at me like, yeah, what else is new? Or worse, said wow, I thought you were older.
7.) If I start shaving years off my age in order to sound more relevant aren’t I contributing to the problem, not the solution?
6.) My mother has never lied about her age, and she raised me with the idea that getting older is far better than the alternative.
5.) I have friends who never got to see their 40th birthdays, never mind their 50th. I owe it to them to enjoy every year I get on this planet.
4.) I hear those AARP discounts can really add up. I have three kids who want to go to college. With costs for higher education rising every year, I am going to need all the help I can get.
3.) As it is I have a hard enough time remembering the dates of birthdays of my immediate family members, never mind my own. How am I supposed to keep track of my new birthday too?
2.) My children would surely rat me out.
1.) As old as I get, I will still be seven years younger than my husband.
Great reasons Kathy and I so with you on this and won’t be lying anytime soon about this either. Plus like you though my Italian genes have helped though in keeping me look youthful though 😉
Janine Huldie recently posted…Open Boxes To Dig Past The Weak Moments
Thank you so much sweet friend! xo
Number 9. Hell. Yes.
michelle recently posted…Trigger Warning: I Get It
I know Michelle. I have also started saying I’m too old for this!!! xo
I’ve got 4 1/2 very short years before I get there. I used to lie about my age in my late teens. “Why yes, I’m old enough to drink”. Last year I was ready to lie and say I was 50 for Huff Post 50, but they liked my stuff so it didn’t matter! Life is short enough and like you I’ve lost lots of friends way to early to feel comfortable lying. Plus those AARP cards are like gold haha!
Rena McDaniel recently posted…CAROL CASSARA IGNITING CREATIVITY IN SANTA FE
Rena I know, it’s strange. I have no problem with other people doing it but it just doesn’t fit me. Plus I could never keep it up, I would surely screw it up!! And as you said, there are those AARP discounts! Lol!
Great post Karhy I agree that you don’t look your age. We have good genes . I love being proofed for my age when I ask hie a senior discount and I’m 72 and you will love it too! Love you Mom
Try telling people you’re 10 years older than you are and enjoy the gasping “Wow! You look fantastic!” 🙂
Elizabeth Pantley recently posted…Potty Training Praise – How Much is Too Much?
Now that is a brilliant idea!!! Thanks!
What a fabulous post. I’m with you on all of them except I’ve been a little guilty of lying about my age in business but never in my personal life,
nancy@skinnykitchen,com recently posted…Deliciously Skinny, Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry
Nancy I do know some women who do it for professional reasons and I really thought about it. I might live to regret it! xo
I don’t lie, but I don’t volunteer. I struggle with it, and honestly, don’t really have a solid reason as to why.
The Imp recently posted…Boobs, And Other Summer Hazards
This really was the first time I didn’t volunteer my age, I think each person has to decide for themselves. I can totally see why some women would decide to if not lie, at least not advertise their age.
Kathy Radigan recently posted…Top Ten Reasons I Won’t Lie About My Age
Haha, I love Elizabeth’s idea! This was a great list, Kathy, and got an especially big kick out of #4. Never turn down a discount:)
Jill Ginsberg recently posted…8 Signs You No Longer Give A Crap About Being Perfect
Jill I totally love Elizabeth’s idea!!!
yup, always better than the alternative. and we’re lucky to be here. puh puh puh! plus, rocking almost 50, lady!! xoxo
alisa/icescreammama recently posted…Drive of Shame
Thank you my sweet much younger friend! xoxo I still can’t believe I will be 50 soon! xo
First, this is my second attempt at leaving a comment. I got a message saying the post had timed out. So, if a second appears, take your pick…
I just turned 59, so this is my last year before the big SIXTY… No one believes I am as old as I am, probably because I am so immature.
I just love a good list, and yours is a great one, Kathy.
Myke Todd recently posted…Peonies
Mike I”m sorry that happened to you. I have had that happen occasionally on other peoples sites, thanks for hanging in!!
There is something really nice about people thinking you are younger, and I do believe a little immaturity really does help! Lol! Thanks so much!!
Own it, mama!
Thanks Deva! I will!
Definitely #9! I don’t lie, per say, I just don’t answer. My son thinks I’m 36 & I don’t correct him.
One Funny Motha recently posted…The 4th of July, Fireworks and Fearing for My Life
Hi, Can I please use your story in our newsletter?
My ex-husband’s grandmother–of blessed memory—used to lie her age up. When she was 75, she told people she was 80, and they would be, “OMG! You are fabu for 80!” As she got closer to 80 (it was a great loss when she died at 83), she was only rounding it up a few more years. But there were people in her building on Madison Avenue who were convinced she was 88. I loved that woman.