If age is just a number, why are we hiding it?

Age43

As I got settled on my return flight last night, a Mom, Grandma, and 2 kids took their seats in the row behind me. The kids were young, and clearly excited about flying. The flight attendant came over to talk to them, and asked their ages. The Mom replied for them – "6 and 4." The flight attendant said "That's awesome!" The 4 year old VERY promptly (and rather loudly) responded with "Oh, and she's 31, and she's 51." Everyone laughed, and the flight got underway. The mom gently said to the boy, "We don't tell people grownups' ages." The little boy asked, "Why not?." The mom said "We just don't." The little boy answered "Well, then why did she ask?"….clearly not seeing the distinction that the flight attendant had inquired ONLY about the ages of the children.

The whole exchange was worthy of a chuckle, but it also made me think….why ARE we so secretive about age? Why haven't we shifted away from age being a taboo subject? (totally just thought of one of my favorite St Elmo's fire scenes)

I'm 43. Technically, 43 and a half. How 'bout you? Are you self-conscious about sharing your age?

10 Comments

Debbie

July 24, 2014 at 12:26 am Reply

I am a proud 44 yr old and embrace every year I’m given. My mother died when she was 39, so when I turned 40 I had a huge party to celebrate and I know she would have loved that. I truly believe that every year is a gift.

Kirsten Juenke

July 24, 2014 at 3:12 am Reply

Totally proud to say I’ve walked this planet for 52…almost 53 years. Although, there is a little vanity involved, I’ll admit. I guess I look good for my age, because I enjoy the gasps and “no way!!!” that usually follows.

Tracy

July 24, 2014 at 8:33 am Reply

Ditto that Kirsten! I still get carded occasionally and am proud to be a 1972 model… 😉

LouiseFortune

July 24, 2014 at 2:30 pm Reply

I am not embarrassed about my age and I feel secretly pleased when people are surprised at my age even if I have only got 9 months left of my 40’s but I am more conscious of my age than I used to be. I work as a learning support assistant in a primary school 4-11 and I am old enough to be the parent of some of the teachers even though my youngest son only left this school last year 🙁

Ellie Augustin

July 27, 2014 at 9:50 am Reply

Totally proud at being 38…. I’m actually looking forward to 40 because my kids told me they are throwing me a surprise party,they said it was OK to tell me cause I forget everything HA..