Is asking someone's age now acceptable?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When I was 48 a woman in Giant at the check out asked me if I qualified for the "over 60's Tuesday discount".

I have not checked out in her aisle for several years since.

Just happened to me at HT, I'm 47 and was asked by a teenager. Tried hard not to take it personally.

It’s just teenagers! They think everyone looks old. I remember in high school, I thought all my teachers were 50s/60s. Looking at my old yearbooks, I can tell that they’re definitely 40s. Had a couple teachers in their 20s who I would have sworn were pushing 40 back then.

See if they asked me if I qualified for the discount I say yes thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I was 48 a woman in Giant at the check out asked me if I qualified for the "over 60's Tuesday discount".

I have not checked out in her aisle for several years since.

😆

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Personally, I think that is a very old fashioned notion. I don’t think there is any shame in being whatever age you are. if somebody asks my age I just tell them.

I don’t think there’s any shame in being whatever age, but it’s a bit personal. There’s no shame in being a particular religion, or being a particular political party (er…maybe), but you don’t just ask people you don’t know well these things.

[Anonymous]

I am not ashamed of my age, but no, it is never appropriate to ask anyone's age (maybe a child who has just turned 5, but certainly not any adult).

You know, some people were raised in a barn with no manners.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am not ashamed of my age, but no, it is never appropriate to ask anyone's age (maybe a child who has just turned 5, but certainly not any adult).

You know, some people were raised in a barn with no manners.

Why is it not appropriate? Seriously asking.

[Anonymous]

People ask kids all the time how old they are. Why would adults be any different?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People ask kids all the time how old they are. Why would adults be any different?

Age discrimination? OP said it was coworkers asking…they might not want their age to be widely known.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People ask kids all the time how old they are. Why would adults be any different?

Age discrimination? OP said it was coworkers asking…they might not want their age to be widely known.

Your coworkers aren't firing you. HR knows your age and salary.

[Anonymous]

My first job was at McDonalds and I recall asking a woman if she wanted the senior discount on her coffee. She said she’s not there yet but she’s working on it. In my defense it started at age 55 then, and she was probably in the 50-55 range, but I was embarrassed that I’d asked her and maybe made her feel bad. 48 year old me is even more embarrassed that I asked her, but also appreciate that she responded so gracefully. (I’d also accept that discount! Ha!)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:as a 54 year old who is routinely mistaken for someone in their mid-40's, I hate when people ask my age because I get that surprised "wow, your older than I realized" reply

Much better than the opposite reaction.

People used to be surprised at my age. Now they are not. That is worse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:as a 54 year old who is routinely mistaken for someone in their mid-40's, I hate when people ask my age because I get that surprised "wow, your older than I realized" reply

Humble brag. Even if you were "routinely mistaken for someone" younger, you wouldn't know about it. I doubt that many people actually ask you unless you're registering for something and they need your birthdate.

The reason it comes up is because my wife is 10 years younger than I am (I'm sure you will jump on the chance to call that a humble brag too) and when we are making new friends thru kids sports/the pool/school volunteering etc. they tend to be early to mid 40's given our kids age range... After they find out I am 54 it becomes a running joke about me being old as I am generally 8+ years older than all the couples we are hanging out with.

You think people are IMPRESSED by older men who marry younger women.

Uh, no. That is not the reaction is triggers. Trust me.

[Anonymous]

I think it is old fashioned and sexist to refrain from asking this question.

Its stems from the old notion, that is it not polite to ask a WOMAN about her age. As if we have an expiration date.

Aging is not a defect and should not make adults embarrassed or sad. It is just an objective fact. Our society is messed up that people are upset to admit their age. And spend money and risk their health (with cosmetic surgery and BOTOX injections!) to hide this reality.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it is old fashioned and sexist to refrain from asking this question.

Its stems from the old notion, that is it not polite to ask a WOMAN about her age. As if we have an expiration date.

Aging is not a defect and should not make adults embarrassed or sad. It is just an objective fact. Our society is messed up that people are upset to admit their age. And spend money and risk their health (with cosmetic surgery and BOTOX injections!) to hide this reality.

But why is it important to know someone’s age?