Do you tell people how old you are? (person, retired, acquaintance)

[I'm Retired Now]

When I read a story in the news about someone usually they always give the person's name and their age. It brands the person because we now know how old they are.

I run into people all the time who want to know how old I am and ask me what my date of birth is or my actual age. Why do they want to know?

Why is America so fixated with people's chronological age? We stereotype and evaluate the person based on when they were born and tell them they should look and act a certain way based on their age.

What do you think about this and do you tell people how old you are?

[Meyerland]

I could care less if someone knows my age. It's just a number...39. Would I be wealthier, prettier, nicer or funnier if I said I was 29?

I think it's a way to categorize people and have something in common to talk about. People always assume you are close in age to themselves, because most people are so focused on themselves.

[oh-eve]

You do have a point there.

I like to tell my age because then I get the "aaah's" and "oooh, you look like early 30's" compliment. But you are right, we do judge and respect people partially dependent on their age.

I just started dating a guy who is 6 years younger than me. I did not take him seriously. He pretty much had to prove to me that he is on the same level.

[ocnjgirl]

I'm 51, and I tell people proudly.

[STT Resident]

Originally Posted by I'm Retired Now

I run into people all the time who want to know how old I am and ask me what my date of birth is or my actual age. Why do they want to know?

How very peculiar that so many people ask you that question. I have (and always have had) a wide circle of friends and acquaintances of all ages and the subject is rarely, if ever, even brought up. I can't imagine that virtual strangers would ask. Unless of course you open your mouth and say something so incredibly daft that they're incredulous you could have reached maturity and come up with something so dumb ...

[I'm Retired Now]

I think many people don't want to be friendly with people who are not close to their age.

[PAhippo]

sure, I tell people my age, if they ask. DOB, no.

People will always find a basis for judgement. May as well be age.


It bothers me more when they ask where I live and don't settle for a kind of generic name-of-town answer.

[latetotheparty]

at nearly 54, the ONLY time I have ever been untruthful about my age was when I was UNDERage.....

[Garethe]

Originally Posted by oh-eve

You do have a point there.

I like to tell my age because then I get the "aaah's" and "oooh, you look like early 30's" compliment.

Lol, I do that too, but honestly I tell people because I can tell their dying to ask me, I'm equally curious and usually they respond with their age.

[luvmyhoss]

I don't care what anyone thinks!
I can't change my age, so I tell all.