It is a couple of years,well nearly 3 actually, since my 50 birthday and I have noticed little changes in the way people view me and to start with I found it difficult to accept.
For example a couple of years ago I bumped into a work colleague who was on maternity leave at the time and we were discussing the cute new baby when I was asked if I had any grandchildren! It was one of those moments when you feel as though someone has just slapped you hard. My mind went into overdrive; oh my goodness do I look that old, I am not that old I am only 50! My response was "I am still trying to get my children to leave home let alone think about grandchildren". It was an innocent remark but to me it was very important comment and has stayed with me.
When I actually had my 50th birthday I was not worried at all and I had a really nice party to celebrate with family and friends. It is only as the last 3 years have progressed that I have noticed how differently I am now treated. Another example is when we were on holiday last year in Africa we were addressed as "Mama and Papa". People were not being unkind they were actually being respectful but it was a noticeable difference that we are now seen as the older generation. We met various people on holiday (as you do) but one young couple keep referring to her Mum when we were in conversation and what she would do rather than talking to me about her life as she didn't see me as an equal to her generation.
So where has 50 taken me so far? I will leave this for my next entry I think.
For example a couple of years ago I bumped into a work colleague who was on maternity leave at the time and we were discussing the cute new baby when I was asked if I had any grandchildren! It was one of those moments when you feel as though someone has just slapped you hard. My mind went into overdrive; oh my goodness do I look that old, I am not that old I am only 50! My response was "I am still trying to get my children to leave home let alone think about grandchildren". It was an innocent remark but to me it was very important comment and has stayed with me.
When I actually had my 50th birthday I was not worried at all and I had a really nice party to celebrate with family and friends. It is only as the last 3 years have progressed that I have noticed how differently I am now treated. Another example is when we were on holiday last year in Africa we were addressed as "Mama and Papa". People were not being unkind they were actually being respectful but it was a noticeable difference that we are now seen as the older generation. We met various people on holiday (as you do) but one young couple keep referring to her Mum when we were in conversation and what she would do rather than talking to me about her life as she didn't see me as an equal to her generation.
So where has 50 taken me so far? I will leave this for my next entry I think.
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