This year I've experienced a couple of firsts having to do with my age:
On the 4th of July, while at a large birthday party, I had occasion to look around and notice that there wasn't another soul in the room my age. The closest was Rebecca; born in 1943, she is nearly 3 years younger. I was, by at least - not counting Rebecca - a half decade or more older than the next oldest person present.
On the 4th of July, while at a large birthday party, I had occasion to look around and notice that there wasn't another soul in the room my age. The closest was Rebecca; born in 1943, she is nearly 3 years younger. I was, by at least - not counting Rebecca - a half decade or more older than the next oldest person present.
A couple days ago, I had need for some advice from an Apple Store tech regarding my computer. Having no appointment, I went to the "Genius Bar" and awaited my turn in line with the others that had no appointment. Soon it was my turn next. But just as I was about to be called an attractive young lady stepped in front of me - to the front of the line. I (gently) tapped her on the shoulder and mentioned that we - I and all those behind me - were waiting our turn in line and that I was next! "Well." she said, "I have an 11:15 appointment, and it's 11:15 now. Do you have an appointment?" Well no I stammered, and dropped the subject. A moment later the techie behind the bar motioned to the next in line, where upon the young woman stepped-up with, "I have an 11:15 appointment." The techie, a young man, perhaps 35, looked at her with a smile and then, much to my surprise, said, "Do you mind if I take this gentleman next? After all age before beauty." I was floored.
While walking Skipper this morning, a fellow, perhaps in his late forties, riding a golf cart slowed to a stop in front of us and said, "There's no sight more serene than watching an old man walk his dog in the morning."
I'm going to have to turn on some bright lights and take a closer look in the mirror, because, really, I don't see that old guy!
Cheers, Mel
Posts
I have to say Mel, and I'm not just being nice here, really, I don't see that old guy when I look at you either. I think it has to do with us building our internal concept or images on who we are and who others are. After we build these things, we see through them kind of like a filter on a camera.
ReplyDeleteMy wife doesn't like her picture taken for the most part because she doesn't like the way she looks in photos. I, on the other hand, look at her and see nothing but beauty - because I love her so much. You know what I mean I'm sure. I don't see that her hair isn't perfect or whatever, I see her as who I know her to be, and that is a beautiful thing to me.
I also remember being in China several years ago and you'd be talking with someone Chinese using a very few words and sign language, etc and invariably they would just bust out laughing. I asked on of the english speaking guides about this and it was explained to me that the Chinese don't make much in the way of facial expressions when they speak. They just don't. We Americans on the other hand do and sometimes a lot. So he went on to explain, they look at us as kind of a walking, talking, in your face cartoon with just WAY over the top facial expressions. And it's really funny.
So when I see you or myself or anyone or thing, am I really seeing what's there? I suspect not.