General Chat

Tick them but don't let it blind you to the person inside XX

Every day you come across little boxes which ask you to tick what age you are, and immediatley you place your tick in that box you become a part of a group, you are a young person, a middle aged person or an elderly person. One of the few places that did not seem to exist was here on the board, I found people of all ages intereacting as one, talking on a level to people in real life they would not bother with, because they would be in a different age box, so appear too different to bother with, it was hard to guess how old someone was, and i thought it was great. I loved the ageless feeling of the board because instead of just classifying people as 'an age' everyone sees only who you are inside. It allows younger people to have their views respected in a way that doesn't always happen outside. It allows more mature people to laugh and talk to the younger groups and realise that they are people too, with all the emotions that they have. I could come on the board and be any age I wanted, talk to people younger or older than myself, or my peirs, and I love that aspect of the board. But sometimes something is said which makes you stand back and think, hey wait a minute......I need to act my age, for example jokey references to 'old biddies' , I immediatly jump back and think......wow maybe I need to grow up. One thing for sure we will all age, every single one of us, but inside we are the same, and we are who we are, but as we do societys box for us will change . What a shame if the referals to age make people think twice about acting the age they feel that day rather than the box society places us in, young or old....or inbetweenies. We would never dream of calling people fat, or ugly or stupid, but it is ok to be ageist, and to segregate ages in life, I hope that the 'old biddies' continue to have fun and the young ones here feel comfortable enough to treat them on a level, this is one of the few places we see not a category, but a person like ourselves be they 16 or 90. So try to think before you shut anyone in to a little ticked box.....inside they are just like me. This is long winded and a bit phylisophical, and not very lemony, but maybe its because I woke up this morning feeling my box is ticked and I should act my age, wear sensible flat shoes with closed toes, and sip tea while I rake through a knitting pattern ( er I can't knit so that wont work) or send away for a Saga holiday, instead of tottering round on my stilletos and flirting disgracefully. Anyway enough already this 'old biddie' needs to go swim her 40 lengths and start the day. For the younger ladies....think about it....one day it will be you....for the more mature, in age, if hopefully not outlook....keep in mind you have been there and struggled you have a lot to offer to the younger people you come across, so respect their views and see them only as people. I don't need to come back to this thread as it is not a debate as such, just a personal view.....now this 'old biddie' needs to get her backside in gear, she will probably get to about her 20th length and think 'oh I wish I had kept my thoughts to myself' have a lovely day you all, whichever box they shove you in XXXXX and :-)

xxx

Lemon - you'e not THAT old lol and people DO judge people by other categories as well as age... weight, sex, sexual orientation, colour... No doubt the comment was made light heartedly... I wouldn't take it to heart Paul xx

Hi Lemon I would tick my box if I could find it a good read to start the day off enjoy your swim xxxxxFrom your ageless mate xxxHowie

Lemon if it's anything to do with me saying they're all 'oldies' in here at Annes birthday party I was having a dig at myself for turning 40! It certainly wasn't mean to be offensive and I sincerely apologise if I did offend anyone. I've never thought of how old any of us are when talking on here. I'm really sorry! Julie xxx

Lemon - if I were told: ''act your age!'' - I wouldn't know what to do!! I have no idea how one is supposed to act at any age. I am me - I say I am 36; that is in fun; I am really 58, a strange looking number to me. Hope no one has upset you. Keep being you, please...... Lemon.... :-)

Lemon - age is a number!! Growing old is compulsary, Growing up isn't!! You keep being the person you are and we soon to be 'old biddies' will keep treating you with the respect you deserve!! You are only as old as you feel!! xx

What the heck - tick every box :-))))

*comes in to thread coz Lemon Tickes all my boxes* Sxx

We are who we are, but I so agree about being categorised and the thoughtless remarks that do hurt. One of my friends is 59 and still works (in our cafe) 18 hrs a week. Her baking and cooking is superb, her outlook on life is fantastic and she is a friend to so many people. Last year a 'throwaway' remark by a chef was enough to put her off work for 3 months, she was so upset by what he said and the way he said it. On the other side of the coin, we have a girl of 18 who has worked for us for 2 years. She is excellent at her job, and works full time. She is so competent, yet the same guy at the same time refused to work with a 'kid'. His problem was both were better at their work than he was, therefore he used the age factor as an excuse. We dispensed with his services.

As most of you know Grandma is 101 (102 in September) and up until she was 97 she used to walk 3 miles a day to (and I use her words) and 'help the old people' She most definitely thought they were less competant than her and did all she could to make life easier for them!! So please don't let a throwaway comment spoil things.... someone tried to personally insult me by saying I was 48 (i'm 40 and proud of it) but I acted like a child and was pathetic.... What she didn't realise is I don't give a t*ss what she thinks and I like being AGELESS - it means I can talk to whoever i want in whatever way I want other than being nasty!! We are all AGELESS on here!! xx

Goodness Lemon. you've got me all depressed now:)) When anyone mentions 'old biddies' I never thing that they are referring to people of my age. I always picture a little, bent, grey haired old lady of about 90-100. Mind you, I've realised that I'm going to have to start being honest about my birthdate. In the past when various organisations have asked for my date of birth I have thought 'what's that got to with it' and given the right day and month but added ten years or so to the year. However, I have just discoverd that they are now using it as a checking point to make sure that you are who you say you are and I have to tell them that I can't remember what year I gave, only the day and date:)) I actually think that size is more important. Up until a few years ago I was a size 10-12 all my life but for various reasons, which I won't go into, I have put on weight. I do feel very different now. I don't think that it's anything to do with the way people treat me though, I think it's more to do with the fact that it makes me miserable. I don't enjoy choosing clothes anymore or feel as confident when I go out. If it wasn't for that though, and a nasty skin complaint that I developed, I don't honestly think that age would bother me at all. I still feel 28 until I look in the mirror or see photographs of myself:)) Just carry on being you, forget numbers, they aren't important. Chrissie xx

Well said Lemon.Totally agree with everything you've said. Age is in the mind (unfortunately for some folk it is in their health too, which can affect their out look on life) and yet we can meet them and they have a positive ,cheerful way about them. Some 'young' people however,if they are moaners and feel life owes them a living could do with a good kick up the backside. We will all 'travel out of this world' in that same ticked box,so let's all start LIVING TOGETHER no matter what our age!! Paul you have just said it......you're not that old! How old? Love and peace,and what a glorious sunny day it is today, Here's smiling at ya!! Mau XXX

Oh Lemon, I was reading a message one day and someone was describing their elderly parent and I was feeling sooo sorry for this poor old soul until I noticed their age...just a couple of years older than me! Heather

You're only as old as the boy you're feeling ;0) xx

...or girl... lol

Hi Lemon going to have to start calling you 'socrates'! I agree with you tho' I have always liked the fact this site breaks down all sorts of barriers and we interact with a much wider range of peeps than we would normally. If it were a young person who said it then I have to think back to when I was (might take a while lol) and I thought anyone over thirty was old! You carry on as you are Lemon please!! Kaz :o) xx

Oh Lems, you could never be an old biddy trust me.........((no i am just older than you) We are all individuals no boxes needed. Just like people have said age is just a number, when i am playing guild wars online, no one asked well how old are you , and they wouldnt want to know when i beat them hee hee. You just stay Lemon we dont want you any other way, thats the beauty of this site.xxxx

Hi Lemon You cant be a bad Lemon you tick all my boxes lol