You know that feeling when your inner self is still 21, but the outside world keeps reminding you you’re not? Honestly, I’m often astonished that I’ve navigated adulthood for this long, so when someone younger tries to make me feel old, it really cuts deep. I can only imagine that these moments will increase as time goes on. Here are four times I experienced age-shaming from younger women.
1. The Consignment Store Encounter
I usually donate my old clothes, but one day I thought about cashing in and decided to check out a local consignment shop. I had never been in this particular store, but I figured they’d welcome my nicer items. With a suitcase full of garments, I approached the counter, and the teenage clerk asked me to browse while she sorted through my stuff. A little later, she approached me with a look of confusion. “Um, your clothes are like, too mature for our store. We can’t take any of them.” I was left speechless. “Are you certain? There’s stuff from Anthropologie in there!” I emphasized the brand, hoping it would hint at their trendy nature. She glanced away and simply said, “Yeah.”
2. Justin Timberlake Concert
When Justin Timberlake rolled into town, my friends and I were all in. As we danced and sang to his cover of “Poison” by Bell Biv DeVoe, I noticed a couple of young women behind us filming our excitement. In the midst of our fun, I caught them rolling their eyes and whispering to each other. Unfazed, I just danced harder, shaking my groove thing their way to prove that I was the one with the real moves.
3. A Night Out at the Bar
Waiting for a drink at a crowded bar ranks high on my list of least favorite activities. People jostle for position, and you practically have to wave your arms to get the bartender’s attention. As I got closer to ordering, I noticed everyone ahead of me showing their IDs. I had mine ready, thinking I’d save time. When it was my turn, the bartender didn’t even ask for my ID. I pulled it out anyway, and she waved me off, laughing. “Don’t you need to see my ID?” I asked, feeling utterly bewildered.
4. Shopping at Forever 21
This one was a classic. I probably should have known better given the name of the store, but sometimes you just want a fun, inexpensive outfit. As I approached the register, the young cashier asked, “Do you need a gift receipt?” “No, thank you,” I replied. After a moment’s pause, she asked, “Oh, I thought you were buying this for someone else. Is it for you?” At that point, I could feel my blood boiling, but I just imagined flipping over the accessory displays on my way out instead of buying a pity snack from the food court.
I understand why these younger women might think I’m not trendy or relevant. I used to feel the same way about women in my age group. One day, those who age-shamed me will find themselves in similar situations—whether it’s being asked for ID at a bar or catching younger people snickering at their dance moves. It’s all part of the journey, and while it might sting at the moment, it ultimately doesn’t matter. They’ll eventually turn back to their friends and keep dancing, just like I did.
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Summary
Life is often filled with moments that can make us feel older than we are, especially when younger individuals remind us of our age through unexpected comments or actions. From consignment shops to concerts, age-shaming can happen in the most surprising contexts. However, it’s important to remember that age is just a number, and confidence and joy in living are timeless.