It is a tradition almost as old as time for people, especially women, to fib about their age.
When young, people often want to present themselves as older. I recall, my sister telling people she was almost 5, days after turning 4. And I remember how delighted I was, when at 13 and 5'7", people frequently assumed I was at least 16, if not 18. And let's not even talk about all reasons people might wish to procure fake IDs.
I was twenty-four when I started my current career path, a position that includes advising university and college administrators on solutions that will support and/or advance their business. I was told my that, regardless of my expertise and knowledge, my youth would be held against me (it was), so I should wear more make up and dress more conservatively (read--less flatteringly), to disguise my youth and gain credibility . Fortunately, after 21 years with my company and almost 19 in my current area, I don't have to worry about credibility based on perceived age or experience.
I am currently in that other time of life, the time when people start to fib in the other direction. Somehow, around 30 or 40 we start wanting people to perceive us as younger than we really are. People frequently, miraculously, stay at 29 or 39, whichever seems remotely plausible for years, even decades. Media floods us with ideas about how those are really the most desirable ages and after that, as long as you look those ages, it's perfectly fine to claim them.
I've never quite cottoned to the need hide my age. I liked being thought of as mature or wise for my age when I was younger and enjoy instant the instant credibility my age gives me now that I'm older. This point of view has, apparently, been subtly presented to my daughters.
The other night, the subject of age came up at dinner for one reason or another and my husband joked to my daughter that "Mommy is only 29." To which, my eldest daughter responded, with crinkled nose and raised eyebrow, "no, she's not, she's 42." My husband laughed, "your mommy is 39." Again, brow furrowed, E replied, " NO, Mommy is 42," and looked at me for explanation to this nonsense.
I told her "some people think that being older makes them less beautiful, so they tell people they are younger than they are."
I truly wish I had been video taping the conversation so I could have caught and shared the look on her face. Her expression said without a doubt that was the most absurdly, unbelievable thing she had ever heard in her life--this utter disbelief from a child who is in full belief of fairies and magic and Santa. I lauded her greatly for her priceless and beautiful expression, telling her that hers was the exact right response. "That is exactly right, baby, it's total silliness. Mommy believes she, and most everyone else, gets more fabulous with age, not less." She nodded, her expression reading, very clearly, "well, DUH."
May she always, always feel that way--may all our daughters feel this way. May we all.
