I went out to dinner with a bunch of friends recently. It was one of those places where the sound has no place to go so it bounces all over. Every table was full, there was (loud) music and we were near a noisy bar. I had trouble even hearing the gal sitting next to me.
I felt awkward saying “What? What?” so I finally explained my hearing loss and showed her my hearing aid and the apps that manage it. She showed polite interest, but I think I went on a bit too long in my explanation.
The Unwritten Rules of Aging
Thus was born my first Unwritten Rule of Aging:
Physical conditions get a very brief mention, if at all. If a close friend asks, or if they share first, I will discuss, but otherwise I’ll keep it short. I might explain that unless they are looking in my eyes I probably won’t hear them, and that hearing aids don’t give the equivalent of 20/20 hearing.
Why the rules?
I’ve decided that extended conversation about my infirmities plays into stereotypes or even ageism – and it’s just plain boring except to my nearest and dearest.
Your turn
But that’s me. How about you? What are your unwritten rules about aging – the ones you have or the ones you with others had? Share yours in the comments!
Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers; her blog “Don’t Get Me Started” puts a quirky new spin on Old School New York City. Send Open Thread suggestions to editor@seniorplanet.org.
Photo: vorDa via Getty Images
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