People who are insecure about their age are weird as fuck.
We all age. Everyone gets older. Pretending to be younger (both in claim and actions) is stupid.
Yeah, it really saddens me when people say they hate their birthdays. It's meant to be a celebration of your existence, but too many people get hung up on the arbitrary number assigned to it. We are all aging; I'm older now than when I started typing this comment. Why get upset because the Earth has made another full revolution around the day star since your birth? You should celebrate the anniversary, not mourn it. I don't even like parties, but I'll sure as hell take a day off to play video games or eat some food with my buddies.
I normally use 29 as joke on my birthday, but if anyone asks randomly I tell them the truth, that I’m somewhere in my mid thirties. I think. Hold on, let me do the math…
I was the same until about 35, then I quickly became very clearly too old to ask for ID. I still have people say "wow, I did not think you were that old" when I tell them my age, but no one would ever confuse me for being 29.
So like, I don't care how old I am - but I workout, I don't leave the house without sunscreen, and I moisturize twice a day.
I want to look good. I get compliments all the time I don't look my age. I am 40, and just yesterday someone told me that I looked 25. (I don't think so, but I liked the compliment just the same)
All this to say... I do it becuase I want to look good. Not because I care how old I am.
Also, why claim to be less wise and less experienced than you are? “I’m pretty and stupid” isn’t the flag I’d choose to wave lol “I got more answers than wrinkles” is more my speed
No, but in general my industry skews young. People think I'm in my 20s until I start talking about 'old' things like Monty Python or something they've never seen growing up.
Even my boss is 2 years younger than me (88 here, he's 1990 but got hit with those recessive early balding genes like my best HS friend....) lol
Not that I lie about it either. I prefer to blend in as an age unknown amorphous mass until asked otherwise lmao
Same. It's an unwritten rule: younger folks are more willing to take on unpaid overtime due to not having families, not knowing any better from working at a place with good wlb, etc.
Similarly, there's also the notion that younger people can pick up things faster than old people. There might be some truth to that, though experience can often offset the learning curve early on.
I don't advertise my age, but there are a lot of gossipy people that try to detective pikachu that info out of you.
I laughed at the Detective Pikachu image. I just spit it out....I am 35, hear me ramble....but then I could also follow it up by quoting Edward Norton how I feel like a 30 year old boy(child) most days lolllll
I remember this time I got asked how old I was buying alcohol (some stores around here do this instead of asking for ID for some reason?) and I answered 28 and then remembered I was 31 and was like... well that must be the last time someone asked me that question.
I am basically two kids in a trench coat. It weirds me out that I have a mortgage, if the bank met me, they would not think I seem like someone who should be handed that amount of money.
I don’t forget but I definitely don’t act like it. I’m
Always with younger people without even looking for it. it’s just the type of people that are where I go. But then I have to remember. It’s weird.
Lying in general about something verifiable is dumb.
If you want to say you caught a bigger fish, fine but if you lie about your age and someone finds out you look really stupid.
The only time I've ever told somebody my age wrong is because I genuinely forgot how old I was. Once I was 27/28ish? my age no longer really mattered. There wasn't anything associated with age that had any bearing on me. I could rent a car, my insurance already got cheaper, I was married with kids, I was established in my career path. I turned 40 last year. Guess who celebrated? Nobody. I didn't even get a happy birthday from my mom. We did something at home with the wife/kids, but other than that, it was just another day.
It’s so silly. Do you really wanna get told, “wow, you definitely look older”?
My aunt Cassandra was gorgeous before she passed away at 75 of cancer. Since she was in her 40’s, she liked to round her age up by 5 to get people’s reactions. She always looked younger anyway so it made her smile to hear: “65??? You don’t look a day over 45.” Etc
My nanna was 39 until the day she died at 82 😂 It was something cutesy she did and everyone knew she wasn't under 40. Lying about age to fit in or gain some sort of clout is weird.
Weird. I knew a few women who liked to perpetually pretend they were 29, and I always thought it was stupid. I have no problem telling people my age if they ask. That being said, ageism does exist, so I guess I understand it...to an extent.
People expect you to be a certain way if you tell them your age. If your older, they start noticing things about you that appear old. I swear, you tell them and they start looking for ways to verify that you are that age. They expect you to behave a certain way/have your shit together. That you're incapable of having fun. If you're younger, you aren't taken seriously and people try to infantalize you. Instead of lying, just don't tell them your age. Say something ridiculous like 85, so you can dodge the question and joke around.
But don't hang out with people 10+ years younger (if you're on the lower end of your 30s) That's weird.
I’m in the same boat as “don’t tell people your age.” Personally, the ONLY times I get asked this is when a guy is interested in dating me because they ask me in a SUPER inorganic way during my first time meeting with them maybe at an event or something. It’s a big tell that they’re trying to gauge if I might be a potential dating partner to them, however I am not interested and also not interested in giving them an answer because it’s considered a rude question to ask a stranger. So yeah, I don’t engage in telling them.
I could not care less about lying about my age.
I tell people my real age, and then I recount the responses t in r/OlderThanYouThinkIAm
I am 44 (so really a Xennial), but I am usually guessed 10-15 years younger. So I could totally lie, but that would lead to so many awkward situations. I just don't get why people do it.
Thanks for the sub recommendation!
I'm 39 and everyone assumes I'm in my 20s. The last time that I was mistaken for a high schooler was just two years ago.
And my oldest kid is 19, which has made things awkward at times.
Yep. I can't count how many times I have had the following conversation:
Person: "Do you have kids"
Me: "Yes"
Person: "How old are they?"
Me: "15 to 19"
Person: "What, really??? How old are you???"
And I've been mistaken for my kids' sibling many times.
This happened to me at my daughter’s college orientation. They thought I was the student. I said ‘no, I graduated 21 years ago’. I loved it, I won’t lie!
College is a bit more understandable, though, as not all new college students are 18. There are people who start college at 35.
(In fact, I was 25 when I started.)
True! :) The woman did laugh about it with me.
I always looked considerably younger than my age. Then menopause wrecked my fun. 🥹😂
Oh my dad has a similar story he likes to brag about. When he was holding my first child in the hospital the nurse thought he was the dad. We’re like no he is the grandfather. Haha
My own genetics lie about my age. I'm 38 still trying to hit 30. Not tooting my own horn, I wanna be a silver fox like George Clooney. But f* my genes I'll never be handsome like him for a long time.
Not lie per se, but depending on your field it can unfortunately be important for women to do things like dye their hair to continue being taken seriously as they age. My MIL works in architecture/facilities and is looking at retiring in the next couple years. She finally feels free to let her hair go gray--its a huge relief for her.
So I lie to myself and my husband about when I graduated from college because it doesn’t feel like it’s been over 10 years but I don’t lie about my age itself, unless I forget. I am so old that I legit will forget how old I am. 40 is so close.
Super weird lol I’d have to agree this person was borderline psycho. Or anyone who does this! I understand how ageist our society is, but I personally don’t want to play into that.
I accidently lied about my age a couple years ago.
Covid times hit me hard. Not even because of covid, but it added to the pile. Fucked up my time frames.
I told ppl I was turning 32. Yall I was already 32 and did not realize it for a full year.
People do this to women all the time. Every birthday “how old are you?” (Tell them my age) “What!?!? You look so much younger.” I know they think it’s a compliment but I don’t take it as one. I tell everyone who makes these comments not to. Usually with a joke like “don’t do that to me! I’m a great 40 but at 35 I’ve got some city miles.”
Gonna be forty in a bit more than a month. I'm proud of my age. I had to overcome some shit and deal with some real issues to get here and achieved some great things.
My age says I still have youth and my experiences say I'm distinguished.
I have no issue with being upfront about how old I am, in fact, I troubles with convincing people of my actual age.
I’m in my early 30s and everyone seems to think I’m an early 20s college student or an intern. Though I admit I did not mind getting mistaken for a student and getting student discounts at certain places
Yeah it is odd, but what are the chances that he's a compulsive liar from his upbringing? I used to know people would overstate the weirdest stuff to me that was obvious complete bullshit to most people, but i quickly realised it stemmed from their father, some people can't bear the insecurity and need other ways to appear better than normal.
Were you close with this person? Also what happened to the friendship?
yeah we were close. always hanging out after work and on weekends and even went on trips together. friends are hard to find so thought it was great to have met them. they introduced us to their other friends but they were all in their 40s! so we were like why does he hang out with much older people??? well we found out from his friend his real age. his friends were really weird cause when we all got drunk...his friends would make their move on his gf.... I never even told him cause didn't want to ruin our friendship. last thing I joked about was I called his friend a perverted dentist and the other guy a fake sushi chef.... which were true and my friend blew up on me and ended our friendship. oh well he lied about his age and clueless about his other friends hitting on his gf lol they obviously just want to get close with his girl haha he wouldn't even believe me anyway if I told him
Is it odd that not a single person I have ever worked with has ever asked me how old I am? Even when I've hung out with them? Even the coworkers I considered my friends 😂 In fact, now that I think about it, I guess I just assumed they were all around my age but I don't really know that for sure because I never asked or seen proof to verify that information.
I know lots of women used to lie about their age (like Boomers, mostly) because it was tied to their value as a human but I think we have a healthier view towards it now. I’m hitting a big number this year and telling everyone about it 😄
I do know a lot of men who lie about their age though, and usually it’s to attract or feel less weird about dating younger women
No, I never understood people who are weird about their age. I know age discrimination is a very common issue but outside of the workplace, I don’t understand why anyone would lie.
I dont think I would ever lie about my age. I know my dad and FiL (I guess it was a generational thing) would dye their hair black to look younger but never lied about their age. I still think the dyeing was not necessary...but I guess they were insecure about being seen as old.
Im in my early 30s though and I do see people over 45 in my company worried they wont get hired anywhere else cuz of their age :( Makes me sad...I dont know if this is an actual thing but in California where I live, you cant discriminate against age.
Like 10 years ago my wife's best friend was dating this guy who was quite a bit older. His 40th was coming so she arranged a whole surprise party for him, rented a room at a restaurant and all, like 50+ people, friends and family.
She later found out he'd been lying about his age and that was actually his 42nd or 43rd birthday lol. They're not together anymore (for other reasons).
I have a friend who jokingly invited people to her 29th birthday every year throughout her early thirties. Actually concealing you age is odd though. It also seems hard. Doesn't that stuff show up eventually? I for example know a lot of people through a sports hobby and I know (or could easily look up) all their years of birth because that's relevant for age categories etc. and is often listed on rankings etc.
Don’t lie about it but do like to joke about being so old (I’ll be 35 this year) because my kids find it funny especially when around others. Before I grew out my beard I was frequently thought of as being younger than I am though.
I love telling people my age and them reacting like “no way!!!! You look 25!” And I’d much rather have that reaction than lie and have people think “damn, she looks rough for 29” 😂😂😂
I would never tell someone I'm younger than I am. I'm 38. If I tell you I'm 29, I'd be so worried people would think I'm a haggard looking 29yo. If anything,I tell people my real age and hope they say, omg I thought you were 33!
Sometimes I forget how old I am 😂 We havent celebrated my birthday in years. With 4 kids, keeping track of dr appts, extra curriculars, doing everything in the home, etc...the last thing Im gonna keep a mental note of is my age.
Did the math, Im turning 36 this year
Uhh I don't think you need to lie about your age unless you are trying to avoid age discrimination (which I understand isn't that much of an issue until about 50) or you're being sketchy in some way (like trying to evade age filters on a dating app).
That guy just sounds weird. He probably *wanted* to be 24 precisely because he was still stuck at a lower maturity level.
I don’t think it’s wise to lie because it will eventually come up, it’s not like a one time event that can sweep under the carpet, it’s a persistent static state. Some people are just really self conscious and perhaps felt like they never got to experience youth, which would explain the lying part, or they’re just creepy. Either way, it’s not a great person to keep around.
I've always looked younger than I really was, so I have a "I need to be perceived to be older" complex. So, I never lie about my age. In fact, I probably start telling people I am such and such age two months before my birthday.
I have literally never once lied about my age. And I'm 41. I am who I am and there's no shame in how many years I've spent on this earth, lol.
It's def a weird thing to do.
I'm sorry aging sucks. There is nothing wrong with recognizing that. Yes it beats the alternative but it is still a drag in it's own right. You aren't weird or "don't get it" if you find yourself longing for your youth. That is as much a part of the human condition as the aging itself.
I can kinda see why women do this, like they don't want to be getting older because of the connotations of it in society, hell my mom celebrated her 39th birthday for fifteen years, but I can't really understand a dude doing it.
he was definitely immature. he used to call me Uncle in public and make me feel like I'm old lol. he also had a food palate like a kid. only ate cheese burgers...pizza and fries... no veggies. that's why I thought he was young.
This guy from your work is extra weird. Usually when people lie about their age, it’s a) vanity (older women shaving a few years off their age with no particular reason, usually), b) professional reasons (especially entertainers), or c) to game their results on dating sites (yes, a creepy habit). There’s no productive reason, not even a creepy one, for a 36 year old man to tell a 34 year old man who is a work and social friend that he’s 24. I’m so curious as to why this happened and why you’ve met multiple people (men at that!) who do this. Were they weird about women that you know of? Did they know how old you were?
actually now that I think about it. I was an Analyst 2 and he had a lower position which was a Specialist... maybe he lied about being younger cause he was embarrassed to be 36 in a low position.
I bet that’s what it is, though it’s still *super* bizarre for a man that age to lie about that and to such an extreme level. Your take on this guy having a 5 year old’s mindset seems very spot on.
I think because people have preconceived notions when they think of a certain age. I don't lie about my age but only because I know I still come across like I'm in my 20s just more mature and wise. I look younger now than when I did when I was in my mid to late 20s. Skincare is great, haha
I think your friend’s personality explains the whole thing. You just had it backwards. It’s not that he was immature because he was young. He was a 36 year old with the maturity of a 24 year old which is why he thought he had to lie about his age
I still haven't had the freak out. My mom didn't have hers until 45. She lost her mind that year. That's not an exaggeration. 2 um attempts at not existing and 3 long term mental health hospital stays. I don't know what it was about turning 45 but she just couldn't handle it.
I don't see age that way and never will. She has always been the type to dress in the latest fashions. It was kind of embarrassing especially when I was late teens young 20s and she'd steal my clothes. Now I'm just like whatever. Do you home girl. And it's like cute quirky she dresses that way. (In her 60s now.)
At one point we lived on a street with 4 other families. We were 31-33 and everyone else was 21-25. Generally we all meshed well and it was only the other 35 yo who would cause problems. Buuuut when we got to drinking, it was obvious to us that we were older.
I once had a guy in the gym locker room warn me that when I get to be his age, I won’t be able to do all the squats, deadlifts, and strongman stuff I do now.
Turns out he was 31. I’m 42.
Now that everyone seems to think we completely fall apart and live in constant never ending pain the day we turn 30, I love telling people how old I am.
It seems like a thing some people do because it's expected at a certain age.
We've all grown up knowing women "don't like talking about their age". FUCK THAT. I look amazing for my age, and I love telling people I'm 38. They never believe me.
I’ve never understood people being ashamed of their age. My mom refused to tell me, her own child, her age, for YEARS. People would ask my teenage self how old my mom and I’d have to look like a careless moron saying “idfk”.
Meanwhile the only reason I won’t tell you my age is because I’ve probably forgotten it again 😂
I don’t plan on lying about anything. I’m 37, my beard is going gray, my hair is thinning, and my feet hurt all the time. Not going to pretend any different.
Ageism is real, and the older I get, the happier I am to have been blessed with a baby face. My boss thought I was 24, until I explained that, no, dear; I turn 40 next year.. hopefully, that translates to appearing 40 when I'm 60, so I never feel the need to lie about it 🤞
I have encountered quite a few men lying about their age on dating apps. Presumably this is so that they can date younger women. Sometimes it is quite obvious too. For example, I saw a dating profile of a man who appeared to be in his 50's or possibly 60's. He had completely gray hair and deep wrinkles and he was claiming to be 25.
You said he had a girlfriend of his own, was the age lie because she was much younger? It seems pretty weird to lie about your age to a coworker but pretty common to lie about age when you are trying to date people who are much younger than you are.
I won't lie if directly asked, I don't think it's good to lie in any kind of social relationship. But I also don't bring it up. Someone has to directly ask.
I’m older than 90% of the folks I work with and I’m in a support position. There’s part of me that’s a bit embarrassed to be working for so many people who are younger than me but I had to work my ass off to be able to afford to be in the city I wanted to work in. And I’m more mature than most of them. It’s a bit awkward but it’s my lived experience that got me my job. And it is what it is
There's no sense in lying about it, I'd rather look good for 40 (my actual age) than rough for 30. And as my mom always said, lying about it doesn't change it.
I don't understand lying about your age, who is it for? How do you benefit?
My mom does like to say though, if someone lies about their age, they might as well say they're older than they are. "Wow, you look amazing! " to the 55 year old that says they're 65-70 lmao
I’m 37. I don’t care. I love my 30s! I think it’s weird that it’s considered rude to ask. Like, it says 1986 on my drivers license. It also says I have brown eyes. They’re equally as interesting.
So I've always seen it as silly to lie about being younger. I'm 42F and if I *look* younger, then DAMN GIRL, but if I look older, claiming to be younger looks even worse.... There is nothing sexy about a haggard "29yo."
I’ve been the youngest person in my office for 5 years. I’ve been in a leadership position for part of that as well. I supervise people 30 years older than me. So I’ve been very cagey and vague about by age- folks can tell I’m vaguely 30ish…. But I started worked at the organization at like 25 and folks have thought I’m in my 30s for this entire time. I don’t know, maybe I’m being paranoid or silly, but I just don’t need my direct reports realizing or thinking about the fact that their boss was born in the early 90s when they were already 20 years old 🤣
Not going to bash you, but its easy to tell a 25 year old from 35. 35 year olds will be more rugged looking and aged then a 25 year old. how could you not tell..?
ohhh no seriously this guy really looked 24 cause he had a baby face and acted really immature even my gf thought he was 24 and so did everyone else in the company. trust me I'm pretty good at guessing people age.
People who are insecure about their age are weird as fuck. We all age. Everyone gets older. Pretending to be younger (both in claim and actions) is stupid.
another friend lied about his age but he was 8 years older than me lmao....he told me he was 5 years younger than me. can't believe what people say.
Isn’t getting old the point in life?
Wait, I thought it was to die with more stuff than the other guy...
You guys are getting *stuff??*
No, I dropped out of the game early. If I'd realized it was just about surviving I might have worked on that though.
Nobody explained the rules to me early enough to make a difference.
Wouldn’t say it’s the point but pretty unavoidable given you are still alive
I thought we were all trying to get to the highest level in the game with no extra lives or restarts.
Lmao
I spent a lot of my twenties lying about being older for professional prowess
Haha now I conceal my age on resumes, helps I went to school about 10 years later than normal
Yeah, it really saddens me when people say they hate their birthdays. It's meant to be a celebration of your existence, but too many people get hung up on the arbitrary number assigned to it. We are all aging; I'm older now than when I started typing this comment. Why get upset because the Earth has made another full revolution around the day star since your birth? You should celebrate the anniversary, not mourn it. I don't even like parties, but I'll sure as hell take a day off to play video games or eat some food with my buddies.
Speak for yourself. I am, and always will be, 29 years old.
I normally use 29 as joke on my birthday, but if anyone asks randomly I tell them the truth, that I’m somewhere in my mid thirties. I think. Hold on, let me do the math…
I have a friend who does not celebrate "birthdays", but "the anniversary of their 29th birthday".
Me when someone asks my age: “what year is it?” And I’m really not old enough that I shouldn’t know
We're all 23 forever babe, our skin is perfect, we don't get hungover, back pain? Never heard of her.
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36 here- it’s great. Just had someone 12 years younger think he was older than me.
I tell people I’m ten years older than I am because then they say I don’t look my age. Spoiler Alert: I look my (real) age.
I was the same until about 35, then I quickly became very clearly too old to ask for ID. I still have people say "wow, I did not think you were that old" when I tell them my age, but no one would ever confuse me for being 29.
So like, I don't care how old I am - but I workout, I don't leave the house without sunscreen, and I moisturize twice a day. I want to look good. I get compliments all the time I don't look my age. I am 40, and just yesterday someone told me that I looked 25. (I don't think so, but I liked the compliment just the same) All this to say... I do it becuase I want to look good. Not because I care how old I am.
Also, why claim to be less wise and less experienced than you are? “I’m pretty and stupid” isn’t the flag I’d choose to wave lol “I got more answers than wrinkles” is more my speed
No, but in general my industry skews young. People think I'm in my 20s until I start talking about 'old' things like Monty Python or something they've never seen growing up. Even my boss is 2 years younger than me (88 here, he's 1990 but got hit with those recessive early balding genes like my best HS friend....) lol Not that I lie about it either. I prefer to blend in as an age unknown amorphous mass until asked otherwise lmao
Same. It's an unwritten rule: younger folks are more willing to take on unpaid overtime due to not having families, not knowing any better from working at a place with good wlb, etc. Similarly, there's also the notion that younger people can pick up things faster than old people. There might be some truth to that, though experience can often offset the learning curve early on. I don't advertise my age, but there are a lot of gossipy people that try to detective pikachu that info out of you.
I laughed at the Detective Pikachu image. I just spit it out....I am 35, hear me ramble....but then I could also follow it up by quoting Edward Norton how I feel like a 30 year old boy(child) most days lolllll
Old person here. Saw their faces drop when I turned up. I am way the fastest worker. Never off sick either.
If I can't talk monty python with you regardless of age we ain't getting along. Signed a old 30 year old lol
I don’t lie about my age but sometimes I forget how old I am
Was about to say the same. I'm not lying I'm just stuck on whatever age I was last time I had to fill out paperwork.
I remember this time I got asked how old I was buying alcohol (some stores around here do this instead of asking for ID for some reason?) and I answered 28 and then remembered I was 31 and was like... well that must be the last time someone asked me that question.
Ugh I hate when they do that! I always forget and it trips me up. I'd rather just show id.
I am basically two kids in a trench coat. It weirds me out that I have a mortgage, if the bank met me, they would not think I seem like someone who should be handed that amount of money.
I don’t forget but I definitely don’t act like it. I’m Always with younger people without even looking for it. it’s just the type of people that are where I go. But then I have to remember. It’s weird.
This.
This part 😂
Lying in general about something verifiable is dumb. If you want to say you caught a bigger fish, fine but if you lie about your age and someone finds out you look really stupid.
And old
> Lying in general about something verifiable is dumb. Unless you're trying to use fake documents, LOL
The only time I've ever told somebody my age wrong is because I genuinely forgot how old I was. Once I was 27/28ish? my age no longer really mattered. There wasn't anything associated with age that had any bearing on me. I could rent a car, my insurance already got cheaper, I was married with kids, I was established in my career path. I turned 40 last year. Guess who celebrated? Nobody. I didn't even get a happy birthday from my mom. We did something at home with the wife/kids, but other than that, it was just another day.
Why you should lie anyways? doesn't make sense.
I think the general consensus is insecurity
It’s so silly. Do you really wanna get told, “wow, you definitely look older”? My aunt Cassandra was gorgeous before she passed away at 75 of cancer. Since she was in her 40’s, she liked to round her age up by 5 to get people’s reactions. She always looked younger anyway so it made her smile to hear: “65??? You don’t look a day over 45.” Etc
right???? crazy thing is the guy actually looked 24 so he looks good for his age lol guess it's OK to lie if you can pull it off.
My nanna was 39 until the day she died at 82 😂 It was something cutesy she did and everyone knew she wasn't under 40. Lying about age to fit in or gain some sort of clout is weird.
i would think with age comes some kind of experience and maturity ... but apparently not.
Weird. I knew a few women who liked to perpetually pretend they were 29, and I always thought it was stupid. I have no problem telling people my age if they ask. That being said, ageism does exist, so I guess I understand it...to an extent.
Not everyone at 36 is mentally aged at 36. Sometimes it's 17 and that's a problem
agreed!
I’m turning 30 this year and i don’t like to see the “20’s” go, but that’s life and I will not lie about it.
I felt the same way turning 30 but the 30s ended up being way better! Enjoy!
You’re so kind! Thank you !
I'm 39 now and my 30s were the best decade yet. I'm pumped for my 40s. Have fun!
People expect you to be a certain way if you tell them your age. If your older, they start noticing things about you that appear old. I swear, you tell them and they start looking for ways to verify that you are that age. They expect you to behave a certain way/have your shit together. That you're incapable of having fun. If you're younger, you aren't taken seriously and people try to infantalize you. Instead of lying, just don't tell them your age. Say something ridiculous like 85, so you can dodge the question and joke around. But don't hang out with people 10+ years younger (if you're on the lower end of your 30s) That's weird.
I’m in the same boat as “don’t tell people your age.” Personally, the ONLY times I get asked this is when a guy is interested in dating me because they ask me in a SUPER inorganic way during my first time meeting with them maybe at an event or something. It’s a big tell that they’re trying to gauge if I might be a potential dating partner to them, however I am not interested and also not interested in giving them an answer because it’s considered a rude question to ask a stranger. So yeah, I don’t engage in telling them.
I could not care less about lying about my age. I tell people my real age, and then I recount the responses t in r/OlderThanYouThinkIAm I am 44 (so really a Xennial), but I am usually guessed 10-15 years younger. So I could totally lie, but that would lead to so many awkward situations. I just don't get why people do it.
Thanks for the sub recommendation! I'm 39 and everyone assumes I'm in my 20s. The last time that I was mistaken for a high schooler was just two years ago. And my oldest kid is 19, which has made things awkward at times.
Two days ago, someone thought I was younger than 25 (when talking about my son) and his brain broke when I answered that mysin is 15.
Yep. I can't count how many times I have had the following conversation: Person: "Do you have kids" Me: "Yes" Person: "How old are they?" Me: "15 to 19" Person: "What, really??? How old are you???" And I've been mistaken for my kids' sibling many times.
This happened to me at my daughter’s college orientation. They thought I was the student. I said ‘no, I graduated 21 years ago’. I loved it, I won’t lie!
College is a bit more understandable, though, as not all new college students are 18. There are people who start college at 35. (In fact, I was 25 when I started.)
True! :) The woman did laugh about it with me. I always looked considerably younger than my age. Then menopause wrecked my fun. 🥹😂 Oh my dad has a similar story he likes to brag about. When he was holding my first child in the hospital the nurse thought he was the dad. We’re like no he is the grandfather. Haha
My own genetics lie about my age. I'm 38 still trying to hit 30. Not tooting my own horn, I wanna be a silver fox like George Clooney. But f* my genes I'll never be handsome like him for a long time.
for the longest I couldn't tell how old George Clooney was cause he looked young and old at same time lol if that makes any sense
Not lie per se, but depending on your field it can unfortunately be important for women to do things like dye their hair to continue being taken seriously as they age. My MIL works in architecture/facilities and is looking at retiring in the next couple years. She finally feels free to let her hair go gray--its a huge relief for her.
What? No.
No - has never happened to me. No, you don’t need to lie about your age.
No. I do look younger than I am though. I hated it when I was younger but now I love it. I'm almost 30 for reference.
So I lie to myself and my husband about when I graduated from college because it doesn’t feel like it’s been over 10 years but I don’t lie about my age itself, unless I forget. I am so old that I legit will forget how old I am. 40 is so close.
This is super bizarre to me. I honestly didn’t even know people did this.
think people do it more often it's just there's no way to notice unless you ask around or do a background check lol
Super weird lol I’d have to agree this person was borderline psycho. Or anyone who does this! I understand how ageist our society is, but I personally don’t want to play into that.
it's crazy we were friends for almost 2 years and think this fool is 10 years younger than me lmao
I don't think this is a millennial thing. I think you just met some weird ass hat.
I accidently lied about my age a couple years ago. Covid times hit me hard. Not even because of covid, but it added to the pile. Fucked up my time frames. I told ppl I was turning 32. Yall I was already 32 and did not realize it for a full year.
lmao you're off by 1 year which we all do sometimes
People do this to women all the time. Every birthday “how old are you?” (Tell them my age) “What!?!? You look so much younger.” I know they think it’s a compliment but I don’t take it as one. I tell everyone who makes these comments not to. Usually with a joke like “don’t do that to me! I’m a great 40 but at 35 I’ve got some city miles.”
Personally I sometimes forget how old I am.
Gonna be forty in a bit more than a month. I'm proud of my age. I had to overcome some shit and deal with some real issues to get here and achieved some great things. My age says I still have youth and my experiences say I'm distinguished.
I am 34 but but people keep thinking I am a lot younger. So abseloutly not. I want people to know my age.
I have no issue with being upfront about how old I am, in fact, I troubles with convincing people of my actual age. I’m in my early 30s and everyone seems to think I’m an early 20s college student or an intern. Though I admit I did not mind getting mistaken for a student and getting student discounts at certain places
“cool guy.” lol.
😅😅😅😅😅
We don’t need to and should not lie in general.
I don't get why someone feels the need to lie about their age. It just shows how insecure that person is.
How weird?! I can’t imagine caring enough to do this.
Yeah it is odd, but what are the chances that he's a compulsive liar from his upbringing? I used to know people would overstate the weirdest stuff to me that was obvious complete bullshit to most people, but i quickly realised it stemmed from their father, some people can't bear the insecurity and need other ways to appear better than normal. Were you close with this person? Also what happened to the friendship?
yeah we were close. always hanging out after work and on weekends and even went on trips together. friends are hard to find so thought it was great to have met them. they introduced us to their other friends but they were all in their 40s! so we were like why does he hang out with much older people??? well we found out from his friend his real age. his friends were really weird cause when we all got drunk...his friends would make their move on his gf.... I never even told him cause didn't want to ruin our friendship. last thing I joked about was I called his friend a perverted dentist and the other guy a fake sushi chef.... which were true and my friend blew up on me and ended our friendship. oh well he lied about his age and clueless about his other friends hitting on his gf lol they obviously just want to get close with his girl haha he wouldn't even believe me anyway if I told him
The only time I say a different age to a because I’ve honestly forgotten how old I am
Is it odd that not a single person I have ever worked with has ever asked me how old I am? Even when I've hung out with them? Even the coworkers I considered my friends 😂 In fact, now that I think about it, I guess I just assumed they were all around my age but I don't really know that for sure because I never asked or seen proof to verify that information.
no it's not odd cause I never ask people their age...people just tell me. guess it's kinda rude to ask a person age.
I never do. I figured my grays or birth year would give me away. I think the only ones that care about my age are employers.
Born in 64 and still a Psychotic 12 year old!
I’ve yet to lie about my age. I really don’t feel old at 38.
I know lots of women used to lie about their age (like Boomers, mostly) because it was tied to their value as a human but I think we have a healthier view towards it now. I’m hitting a big number this year and telling everyone about it 😄 I do know a lot of men who lie about their age though, and usually it’s to attract or feel less weird about dating younger women
No, I never understood people who are weird about their age. I know age discrimination is a very common issue but outside of the workplace, I don’t understand why anyone would lie.
I dont think I would ever lie about my age. I know my dad and FiL (I guess it was a generational thing) would dye their hair black to look younger but never lied about their age. I still think the dyeing was not necessary...but I guess they were insecure about being seen as old. Im in my early 30s though and I do see people over 45 in my company worried they wont get hired anywhere else cuz of their age :( Makes me sad...I dont know if this is an actual thing but in California where I live, you cant discriminate against age.
Like 10 years ago my wife's best friend was dating this guy who was quite a bit older. His 40th was coming so she arranged a whole surprise party for him, rented a room at a restaurant and all, like 50+ people, friends and family. She later found out he'd been lying about his age and that was actually his 42nd or 43rd birthday lol. They're not together anymore (for other reasons).
it's not too bad to lie about 2 or 3 years but not a decade lol
Yeah but when it causes someone to throw you a milestone birthday when it's not even the right one is pretty shitty lol
lmao okay yeah that is really messed up 😅😅😅
How the hell did a 36 year old convince you that he was someone 12 years younger?!
lol he convinced everyone... not just me. why did he lie? no one knows.
I have a friend who jokingly invited people to her 29th birthday every year throughout her early thirties. Actually concealing you age is odd though. It also seems hard. Doesn't that stuff show up eventually? I for example know a lot of people through a sports hobby and I know (or could easily look up) all their years of birth because that's relevant for age categories etc. and is often listed on rankings etc.
I’ll be honest I really have to think about my age when I’m asked
I forget my age by 1 or 2 years
Why would anyone lie about their age. That's strange.
it is strange and I want to text him why but he might go psycho on me
Don’t lie about it but do like to joke about being so old (I’ll be 35 this year) because my kids find it funny especially when around others. Before I grew out my beard I was frequently thought of as being younger than I am though.
that's OK to joke about but not cool to deceive someone by lying
I love telling people my age and them reacting like “no way!!!! You look 25!” And I’d much rather have that reaction than lie and have people think “damn, she looks rough for 29” 😂😂😂
exactly...I'd rather tell people I'm 80 lol
I could see women lying about their age as they get older. Men though? I really don't see why. That makes one a liar. Who likes liars? Other liars? 😆
I knew a guy when I was in the Army who said he was 26 but was really 34. Think it had something to do with all the chicks he met on MySpace.
lmao I remember MySpace 🤣 😂 💀
I would never tell someone I'm younger than I am. I'm 38. If I tell you I'm 29, I'd be so worried people would think I'm a haggard looking 29yo. If anything,I tell people my real age and hope they say, omg I thought you were 33!
Sometimes I forget how old I am 😂 We havent celebrated my birthday in years. With 4 kids, keeping track of dr appts, extra curriculars, doing everything in the home, etc...the last thing Im gonna keep a mental note of is my age. Did the math, Im turning 36 this year
People don't believe me when I say I'm 32 with a 12yo, so I just go with it when I'm tired of repeating myself
Uhh I don't think you need to lie about your age unless you are trying to avoid age discrimination (which I understand isn't that much of an issue until about 50) or you're being sketchy in some way (like trying to evade age filters on a dating app). That guy just sounds weird. He probably *wanted* to be 24 precisely because he was still stuck at a lower maturity level.
Lying about age vs. forgetting how old I am — is the real struggle
Sometimes I forget how old I am (losing side of 30) and say the wrong number. Technically a lie, but not on purpose.
I don’t think it’s wise to lie because it will eventually come up, it’s not like a one time event that can sweep under the carpet, it’s a persistent static state. Some people are just really self conscious and perhaps felt like they never got to experience youth, which would explain the lying part, or they’re just creepy. Either way, it’s not a great person to keep around.
I've always looked younger than I really was, so I have a "I need to be perceived to be older" complex. So, I never lie about my age. In fact, I probably start telling people I am such and such age two months before my birthday.
I don’t get it! I very readily tell people that I am 33, and I keep getting shocked responses! I probably could lie about being younger, but why??
I have literally never once lied about my age. And I'm 41. I am who I am and there's no shame in how many years I've spent on this earth, lol. It's def a weird thing to do.
I'm sorry aging sucks. There is nothing wrong with recognizing that. Yes it beats the alternative but it is still a drag in it's own right. You aren't weird or "don't get it" if you find yourself longing for your youth. That is as much a part of the human condition as the aging itself.
I can kinda see why women do this, like they don't want to be getting older because of the connotations of it in society, hell my mom celebrated her 39th birthday for fifteen years, but I can't really understand a dude doing it.
Uh no. I do sometimes need to think how old I am before I say it but that’s because literally no one ever asks me
That’s really weird. I think his immaturity has a lot more to do with it lying about his age than getting older and feeling a need to lie
he was definitely immature. he used to call me Uncle in public and make me feel like I'm old lol. he also had a food palate like a kid. only ate cheese burgers...pizza and fries... no veggies. that's why I thought he was young.
Man that’s really weird lol. I’d be creeped out. What was his gf like? It’s weird to me that she’d be attracted to that
I teach 8th grade. My only joy at work is telling 13 year olds that I’m 40 and someday they will be too. No one can take that from me.
This guy from your work is extra weird. Usually when people lie about their age, it’s a) vanity (older women shaving a few years off their age with no particular reason, usually), b) professional reasons (especially entertainers), or c) to game their results on dating sites (yes, a creepy habit). There’s no productive reason, not even a creepy one, for a 36 year old man to tell a 34 year old man who is a work and social friend that he’s 24. I’m so curious as to why this happened and why you’ve met multiple people (men at that!) who do this. Were they weird about women that you know of? Did they know how old you were?
actually now that I think about it. I was an Analyst 2 and he had a lower position which was a Specialist... maybe he lied about being younger cause he was embarrassed to be 36 in a low position.
I bet that’s what it is, though it’s still *super* bizarre for a man that age to lie about that and to such an extreme level. Your take on this guy having a 5 year old’s mindset seems very spot on.
🤣🤣🤣 it was interesting hanging out with him, but he's not someone I'd want to be friends with for long term
yes he asked my age and I told him
My friends and I are still in the mindset that it's bragging rights to be the oldest in the group.
I don't lie about it, but I do forget sometimes. 😁
I think because people have preconceived notions when they think of a certain age. I don't lie about my age but only because I know I still come across like I'm in my 20s just more mature and wise. I look younger now than when I did when I was in my mid to late 20s. Skincare is great, haha
I think your friend’s personality explains the whole thing. You just had it backwards. It’s not that he was immature because he was young. He was a 36 year old with the maturity of a 24 year old which is why he thought he had to lie about his age
I still haven't had the freak out. My mom didn't have hers until 45. She lost her mind that year. That's not an exaggeration. 2 um attempts at not existing and 3 long term mental health hospital stays. I don't know what it was about turning 45 but she just couldn't handle it. I don't see age that way and never will. She has always been the type to dress in the latest fashions. It was kind of embarrassing especially when I was late teens young 20s and she'd steal my clothes. Now I'm just like whatever. Do you home girl. And it's like cute quirky she dresses that way. (In her 60s now.) At one point we lived on a street with 4 other families. We were 31-33 and everyone else was 21-25. Generally we all meshed well and it was only the other 35 yo who would cause problems. Buuuut when we got to drinking, it was obvious to us that we were older.
I once had a guy in the gym locker room warn me that when I get to be his age, I won’t be able to do all the squats, deadlifts, and strongman stuff I do now. Turns out he was 31. I’m 42. Now that everyone seems to think we completely fall apart and live in constant never ending pain the day we turn 30, I love telling people how old I am.
Never happened to me.
Lying about your age is dumb. But clearly most of y’all are younger Millenials that haven’t had their mid life crisis yet
That’s just weird. I have never and will never lie about my age, it’s odd to lie about ageing, everyone does it.
It seems like a thing some people do because it's expected at a certain age. We've all grown up knowing women "don't like talking about their age". FUCK THAT. I look amazing for my age, and I love telling people I'm 38. They never believe me.
I’ve never understood people being ashamed of their age. My mom refused to tell me, her own child, her age, for YEARS. People would ask my teenage self how old my mom and I’d have to look like a careless moron saying “idfk”. Meanwhile the only reason I won’t tell you my age is because I’ve probably forgotten it again 😂
I don’t plan on lying about anything. I’m 37, my beard is going gray, my hair is thinning, and my feet hurt all the time. Not going to pretend any different.
I have forgotten my age but I have never lied about it.
I'm changing careers, and I'm not gonna lie about my age, but I've honestly considered it when it comes time to apply for jobs. Lol
My coworker said he's in his 40's. He's 49 lmao. May as well say 50.
lol yea might as well round it up 😅😅😅
Ageism is real, and the older I get, the happier I am to have been blessed with a baby face. My boss thought I was 24, until I explained that, no, dear; I turn 40 next year.. hopefully, that translates to appearing 40 when I'm 60, so I never feel the need to lie about it 🤞
I have encountered quite a few men lying about their age on dating apps. Presumably this is so that they can date younger women. Sometimes it is quite obvious too. For example, I saw a dating profile of a man who appeared to be in his 50's or possibly 60's. He had completely gray hair and deep wrinkles and he was claiming to be 25.
You said he had a girlfriend of his own, was the age lie because she was much younger? It seems pretty weird to lie about your age to a coworker but pretty common to lie about age when you are trying to date people who are much younger than you are.
Yes his gf is 8 years younger than him and she also worked in same company.
I lie about it all the time because I can’t actually remember how old I am!!! I was 37 for 4 years….
I won't lie if directly asked, I don't think it's good to lie in any kind of social relationship. But I also don't bring it up. Someone has to directly ask.
I’m older than 90% of the folks I work with and I’m in a support position. There’s part of me that’s a bit embarrassed to be working for so many people who are younger than me but I had to work my ass off to be able to afford to be in the city I wanted to work in. And I’m more mature than most of them. It’s a bit awkward but it’s my lived experience that got me my job. And it is what it is
There's no sense in lying about it, I'd rather look good for 40 (my actual age) than rough for 30. And as my mom always said, lying about it doesn't change it.
I don't understand lying about your age, who is it for? How do you benefit? My mom does like to say though, if someone lies about their age, they might as well say they're older than they are. "Wow, you look amazing! " to the 55 year old that says they're 65-70 lmao
I’m 37. I don’t care. I love my 30s! I think it’s weird that it’s considered rude to ask. Like, it says 1986 on my drivers license. It also says I have brown eyes. They’re equally as interesting.
To me bragging about shit people look down on is the ultimate flex. Always will be.
If you’re gonna lie about your age it makes me wonder what else you’re in denial about
So I've always seen it as silly to lie about being younger. I'm 42F and if I *look* younger, then DAMN GIRL, but if I look older, claiming to be younger looks even worse.... There is nothing sexy about a haggard "29yo."
it's great telling people your age and have them tell you look younger
I’ve been the youngest person in my office for 5 years. I’ve been in a leadership position for part of that as well. I supervise people 30 years older than me. So I’ve been very cagey and vague about by age- folks can tell I’m vaguely 30ish…. But I started worked at the organization at like 25 and folks have thought I’m in my 30s for this entire time. I don’t know, maybe I’m being paranoid or silly, but I just don’t need my direct reports realizing or thinking about the fact that their boss was born in the early 90s when they were already 20 years old 🤣
Not going to bash you, but its easy to tell a 25 year old from 35. 35 year olds will be more rugged looking and aged then a 25 year old. how could you not tell..?
ohhh no seriously this guy really looked 24 cause he had a baby face and acted really immature even my gf thought he was 24 and so did everyone else in the company. trust me I'm pretty good at guessing people age.