Dreaming Of Escaping Societal Judgment?
Therapist: Welcome, Ms Charlene. What do you want to talk about today?
Charly: Please call me Charly.
Therapist: (She nods) Charly, what's on your mind?
Charly: (Chews her lower lip for a minute) Um, my friends don't know my age.
Therapist: Wait, what? Why not?
I believe these are some of the questions that would boggle your mind if you are the therapist in this conversation but it's no secret —women do not like to reveal their age.
This leaves everyone in a guessing game. Careful there because you will get it wrong and most definitely offend her if your guess number is higher than her actual age (because you are saying she's old! No one likes to be called old) or make her smile if your guess number is lower than her age (I mean, we all want to stay younger, don't we?)
Do you think we will ever have a society where women will not be judged for their age? I see this as dreaming of an impossibility because we humans are naturally judgy. Even when we lack the skills to be a true judge.
Some women (bold, modern, self-assured) see nothing wrong with disclosing their age. It is who they are. Let the world judge, they don't care. They are confident in themselves and enjoy life. I like these kinds of women and want to be like them.
The reality is when a lady discloses her age to a man, formally or informally, questions will flood his mind. If it's in a romantic relationship, he would wonder if she is too old or too young for him. If it's work or official related, he would question whether she was up to the task or right for it. Whichever way you look at it, the woman is being judged, sometimes unintentionally.
No one likes to be labelled 'old' or 'too old' for whatever reason or her physical/mental capacity questioned based on her age. By her age, the world would want to gauge her and find a place to fit her into.
Not everyone is thrilled about getting old (though we had nursed such ideas when we were children, wishing to be adults as fast as possible only for the tide to change when we become adults). We most certainly want to remain forever in our 20s or 30s but the truth is, we get old and older every minute, every day.
Other than for official purposes, anyone inquiring about a woman's age is being intrusive and disrespectful.
Unless you are close to a person or working in an official capacity, asking a woman her age is not proper (in my opinion). Forty per cent of the women folk may not mind but I can guarantee sixty per cent will mind. It still bores down to the goal or purpose: Why do you want to know?
Another reason the issue of the woman's age comes up is in the dating/relationship area. Most men are quick to ask the lady her age to know whether or not she's 'young enough' to bear children in the event they decide to pursue that goal. Again, no woman likes to be judged for her fertility or beauty. You either want to be with her or you don't.
The importance of age cannot be underestimated. Our age is a part of who we are, a marker of how far we have come in the journey of life, a pointer to the battles of life we have faced and won, and an open gate to realities yet undiscovered. It is not something to be judged for.
It's just the same as judging a man by how much he earns. I notice some men get uncomfortable when asked to disclose their earnings. I see this sort of question as intrusive unless the parties are very close.
These are sensitive topics for both genders and it comes down to respecting people's boundaries and privacy. Isn't it about time we ditch the judgments?
What are your thoughts on this issue? Thank you for visiting my blog.
This also doubles as my entry to the WOTW S5W5, prompt "dreaming". Feel free to participate by clicking on the link.
Image 1: Jack Thacker via Unsplash, edited with Canva
Image 2: Hannah Busing via Unsplash
Image 3: Esther Ann via Unsplash
Once we stop thinking about what others think about us, is when we will truly find love and freedom in what we do. 😊
Thanks for sharing this awesome post. hehe
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Well said! I couldn't agree more. Thanks a lot for this insightful comment. 🙂 !PIZZA
No worries hehe thank you also for sharing this amazing writeup. :)
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Totally judgy. If it wasn't age, it'd be hair length or nail care. It carries through so many aspects of human cultures. Race, religion, politics, you name it. Part of what makes us ugly - the unacceptable (to a judge) - and part of what makes us beautiful - the diversity (to me 🤗).
You absolutely right that our judgy nature is seen in almost every aspect of our culture's which is sad. Hehe, like you too I like our diverse nature! Social diversity is the spice of life. ☺️
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I think that age is only important for some things, but in general a woman should feel good about each year she turns. Thanks for sharing 😊
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I totally agree! Most women do but at the same time, we want to age gracefully! Hehe. Thanks for visiting and for LOH. ☺️ !PIZZA
Years back, I wouldn't be happy being asked about my age. Nowadays, I don't really mind and would even add more years to the number because I look a lot older than my real age, lol!
Hahaha! I like how you take it all in good strides. Sometimes, conquering an issue like this requires being positive.
Thanks a lot for your visit and comment. 🙂 !LUV
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Haha, yes. It takes out the "stress" out of awkward situations like being asked "how old are you?" lol!
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It's high time! There are just some things we can't control as humans. And these things are actively part of who we are.
Sometime ago, I used to feel so bad when some people don't like some things about me but I see them content and happy in their own skins, weaknesses and all. And I stopped feeling bad (at least I'm in the process). No one can make me uncomfortable on things I can't change about me.
We might not feel great about it either but we have to accept who we are. It doesn't give anyone the right to think less of us.
Beautifully and well said! It's up to us to love ourselves and discard whatever negative thing anyone says about us. I like that are gradually getting better at this.
Sorry for the late response and thanks for your visit. !PIZZA !LUV 🙂
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i found you on listnerd, ok just kidding🤣
😂 Very funny! Thanks for your visit. ☺️
Welcome to ListNerds. Your first post is very good. I am looking forward to seeing more of your posts.
Hi @rcaine! Thanks a lot for stopping by and for the warm welcome. More posts to come. 😊
You are as old as you feel you are. Great story. I think it matters less the older you get.
Embracing being an elder is important in a healthy society. Hopefully most people will be a little wiser by the time they get old.
I came from your first List Nerds Mail. I will look for your mails.
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Wow! This statement is a wise one. I couldn't agree more. It's all about our minds and the way we see things.
Thanks a lot, @alente for your insightful comment and visit. Much appreciated 😊