Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Something must be wrong with me, because I never lie about my age. I don't even fudge. (Ex: I'm 52. There you have it. 52 big ones.) So, I don't know what to make of a Canadian Web site for women that's promoting a "Best Lie About Your Age" contest with a $1000 spa package as the prize.
It's not that I've NEVER lied about my age. The fake I.D. years in the 70s come to mind...but that was lying to be OLDER for the immediate benefit of buying beer, so that doesn't count. But I can't remember a time when I "cheated down" for personal gain, or any reason, for that matter.
Maybe that's why I tend to ask the blunt and not-always-welcomed question, "How old are you?" in party conversations having to do with menopause, adult children, divorce or retirement plans. In my experience, about 40% of women will answer truthfully, without hesitation. The other 60% will give me that "I can't believe you just asked that question" look - their eyes darting around the room in fear - then hem-and-haw, change the subject, or leave me standing alone with my canapes.
What motivates women to lie about our years? And if the answer is ageism, aren't we perpetuating the problem by not telling the truth? And is plumping up our face muscles, getting Botox injections or coloring our hair (oh dear, I don't do that either!) the same as lying, or can we just call it 'cheating down' and be good with that?
Something to think about....
Comments
golfergirl (anonymous) says...
Women are under so much pressure to be younger, thinner, prettier, etc. etc. etc., that's why we lie. There is a terrific amount of pressure in corporate America to be young, hip and relevant and that's why we lie, or be evasive. And don't even ask about online dating sites. It's a sea of deception!!
July 16, 2008 at 7:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lostinthe70s (anonymous) says...
Never lied about my age, never saw the point. Maybe that's why I'm still single....??
July 16, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sherrie (anonymous) says...
So interesting.
'Just listened to an ex-model -turned actress, interviewed on NPR who was asked to return to modeling because supposedly "older" (they think 38 is older) women are looking for models to relate to. However, when asked her age on the air, the woman refused to say, stating it would harm her acting career rather than her new modeling prospects. It's sad but Hollywood (as opposed to advertising based in NYC) is still in the Dark Ages.
On a lighter note..
I always think of what my now 101 year old aunt used to say "I always tell people I'm OLDER, that way they'll say how wonderful I look for my age!".So there!
July 16, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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