OK..I Lied!

United States
May 8, 2008 12:24pm CST
My age on my profile is not my real age. It is my forum age. The reason I am posting this discussion because I am getting really tired of some of our newer elderly myLotters who are constantly in their responses and comments bringing up the fact that they are elderly and to give them some rope. What a crock I am also up there in years and this is the first time in my year and a half as a myLotter and in over 9,000 postings I have ever referred to age. Being old does not give anyone extra privileges or sympathy here on this forum. You are judged by your postings be you 18 or 80. Am I wrong?? Personally I think being elderly you should be expected to have more experience and be somewhat wiser not asking for age as an excuse. Your opinion please?
10 people like this
25 responses
@katsmeow1213 (28719)
• United States
8 May 08
The beauty of the internet is the fact that none of us are judged by how we look, how old we are, our weight, our race, nationality, etc etc. We are judged on what we say and how much we tell others. You know that old saying "Respect your elders"? Personally, I don't automatically give older people anymore respect than I'd give someone my own age. If I feel someone doesn't deserve respect, I won't show it, regardless of their age. I also just want to say, I don't think on a site like this, that more respect should be shown to those with more posts. The fact that you have more posts only means you found this site before I did.
3 people like this
• United States
8 May 08
In no way do I think the number of posts a person has is any indication of whether they have earned respect or not. I was trying to get the point across that never in any of my posts have I used age as an excuse or a bid for respect or some leeway in my responses.
2 people like this
• United States
8 May 08
I misunderstood what you said. You said "you are judged by your posts whether you're 18 or 80" I took that as number of posts, not content. My bad.
2 people like this
@sisterjinx (1135)
• United States
8 May 08
When I was much younger I always believed that you did not get respect or get listened to unless you had gray hair. lol I know it was silly but it was my perception of the world. Now I know that it is not age or gray hair but what you have learned. I have met many younger folks who are very mature and learned because of their experiences in life. Conversly I have met many older people who may have been through a lot but have not learned from it and do not show this maturity. And then there are those who I have met that are exactly what you expect for their given age. None of this has anything to do with age, it has to do with whether you have learned from your experiences. Most people are suprised to hear that I am only 37 years old because I have been through so much in my life and have learned so much. Of course I do not claim to ever have all the answers because we are all always learning and growing even until the day we die. I don't ever expect, anymore anyway, that just because someone is younger they don't know what they are talking about or that just because someone is older they are going to have an answer. Everybody has had different experiences and we all have something to share with one another and to learn from each other.
2 people like this
• United States
8 May 08
To me age is just a number. It does not really define who I am.
• United States
11 May 08
I appreciate your kind words thank you. You certainly could've hit add to friends and I would have accepted. I am very open to people until they show me I shouldn't be. I would be glad to have you as a friend. I'll send you a friends request. (I've seen you around a bit and actually thought you were on my friends list lol)
• United States
11 May 08
By the way I homeschool my kids. I only still have one at home now but I have been homeschooling them for years. I'll have to put up a piece of writing about homeschooling. :) thanks for the idea.
• India
9 May 08
Well I have never lied about my age anywhere. I am proud to be 35 though I look like 45.people look at me incredulously when I speak of my age. But I am glad that you have started this discussion…I hope it inspires others to come clean about themselves. You see in mylot we are a virtual community here but our mutual trust’ love and friendhisp is that that’s keeping this site from growing in popularity. It thus saddens me a lot when I see the profiles of some members changing regularly. Today if they are 18, tomorrow they are 80! Or if they have started a discussion at age 87, they suddenly climb down to 27! Yes, I have come across such people only because I found many of their discussion incongruous with their age. These people are fairly common on discussions so I go to their profile and try to know them as much as it is virtually possible. So it comes as a rude shock to me when somebody, who I know to be 87, suddenly talks about her own ongoing menstrual cycle in response to a discussion. Or when somebody who I know has just turned 17, talks about his wife of many years! Then there was this girl from India (same as me) whose profile says she’s 19 but in one discussion she responded about her three kids, all aged above 5 or 6 years. Since she was on my friends’ list, I PMd her instantly that was she taking me and the others for a ride! Where exactly in India did she live and such other probing questions. I have not seen her at Mylot since that day. I dunno why people do this, but I am genuinely glad you started this post. As you said, the quality of our post matters, not our age.
1 person likes this
• United States
9 May 08
Exactly my point. It is the quality of our post not our age. I am certainly not ashamed of my age but it should not be a factor here on an open form.
• United States
9 May 08
oops meant.... forum
• United States
10 May 08
Outbacken ..Sorry but actually giving the IDs of members in certain circumstances is frowned upon by myLot. I am not referring to forgetfulness it seems to be more of a sensitivity problem when comments to their responses are not to their liking they throw in the age factor. Perhaps this phrase is apt "If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen"
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
9 May 08
I did say something about being old yesterday in a post but think I said I was up there and had done all I probably ever will do
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
9 May 08
I really didnt think ya meant me but I just thought that I had said it. thanks I appreciate that hugs
• United States
9 May 08
It was never, never you I was referring to. You are one of my very best young at heart friends here on myLot.
1 person likes this
@mummymo (23706)
8 May 08
I think personal circumstances and knowledge are much more important than the numbers that tell your age - it is more about personality and heart with me! As it happens I am always honest about my age although a few people have assumed I was a lot older than I am - which to me was a compliment as they thought I was wise beyond my years! lol You can get a very wise and intuitive youngster and a very closed off and closed minded, naive older person! I can see the Scottish grit in you whiteheather - I love your honesty and your strength! xxxx
1 person likes this
• United States
8 May 08
My Scottish "grit" will be with me until my last day on God's green earth.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 May 08
Tee hee I have not been called "hen" in many years!! Thanks for awakening so many happy memories. xxOOxx
1 person likes this
@mummymo (23706)
8 May 08
I would be very disappointed if it weren't hen! xxx
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
8 May 08
whiteheather the only reason I have ever brought up the fact that I am elderly was to make clear my age as some of you have accused me of being younger and some of being aged. I a m eighty one. I do not give my age as an excuse for anything nor expect any more privileges than any other user or any sympathy, from now on I will not say I am elderly unless asked. but if someone accuses me of not being my age I will tell them I am eighty one.Why, is this some sort of crime? Nobody has ever told me that anyone is turned down here on mylot because of his or her age.I have never asked anyone to give me some rope as you put it. I did protest when my star was pulled down from 9 to 7 but that had not one dammed thing to do with my age. My opinion is to not jump to conclusions if we say we are elderly.
• United States
8 May 08
Oops Hatley you over reacted I was not referring to you. What made you think that? Do you use your age as an excuse? I know I do not. That is why no-one knows just how old I really am.
3 people like this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
8 May 08
sorry white feather no I do not use my age as an excuse. I only started to state that I was elderly after someone had told me here that I waslying about' my age. No I did not lie so I started to state Iwas elderly so as to clear up any more misunderstandings. the poster was just a bit hostile and I felt maybe someone had misunderstood where I was coming from. Personally I do not like to state my age as its not really anyone's concern.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
8 May 08
oops I meant whiteheather. my finger slipped and I did not catch my error. sorry about that. by theway I do like your user name.
@sanell (2112)
• United States
9 May 08
that is interesting, I never really noticed or cared much for what a person's age is. I mean I am not necessarily elderly, but I am not a spring chicken neither. I am not sure why some people feel that because they are so much older they should get more of a break a break from what? I mean don't they already get a break? In some way shape or form? Maybe I am misunderstanding all this. I respect the elders and maybe they like to recognize that they are elderly because let's face it, on the internet there really is no age to anyone. at least not visible.
1 person likes this
• United States
9 May 08
Amen!!! Very well put my friend. Age is/should not be an excuse to post whatever one wants. I have also never "asked for priviledge" regarding my age. I think it's appalling. I have noticed the postings you are referring to. I will say I am 43, but was raised with much older parents than normal and have an older persons outlook on certain things, but I would never bring the "age factor" into a discussion. It's bologna.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 May 08
Thank You! I am glad you agree with me.
@GardenGerty (157016)
• United States
8 May 08
I am of a mature age. The kids (on the field trip yesterday, to Eisenhower Museum) sat down and said, "Let's listen to her, she has stories." and "Mrs. E. It is really neat to know that you were alive when all of this was happening." So I agree, age adds a depth of ability and knowledge, unless of course you have been under a log for a few years, or snoozing like Rip Van Winkle. I do not think my age really matters otherwise.
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
8 May 08
it depends on what the conversation concerning age was all about, age psychologically makes a difference, for example some elderly people have trouble with the computer they do no learn as fast, it is not easy to catch onto knew things, remember I said some, not all, I know that as I age I do not catch on as quick as I used to either. this is not just my opinion it is backed up by research.
1 person likes this
• United States
8 May 08
There was no coversation about age. It is comments made after a response was posted and not well received the responder gives age as an excuse for the questionable response.
1 person likes this
@Ravenladyj (22904)
• United States
8 May 08
Being old does not give anyone extra privileges or sympathy here on this forum. You are judged by your postings be you 18 or 80. Am I wrong?? Personally I think being elderly you should be expected to have more experience and be somewhat wiser not asking for age as an excuse. Your opinion please? I agree!! Age does NOT give one sympathy regardless of how old or young a person is..Especially since this forum really is full of such a WIDE range of ages...Handing out favourites to one category and not any other would IMO just create more issues that this damn site just doesnt need ya know..
1 person likes this
• United States
8 May 08
Great response! Young or old it shouldn't matter. Thank you!
@AmbiePam (84628)
• United States
8 May 08
I agree. I don't want to say anything disrespectfl, but yeah I agree. I also don't think I should be excused for anything I say or do just because I'm 27 and don't have a lot of life experience, or what ever you want to call it. lol
1 person likes this
• United States
8 May 08
That's what I'm getting at. Age should not make a difference.
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
9 May 08
You got it girlfriend. Truth has been spoken, now I just hope you are female like it says. hehehe. Pushing all jokes aside yes age means nothing as far as what we do here on myLot. I used to be bad for trying to pick people for my friends list according to my own age bracket till I realized there are a lot of people out there that have got good ideas and sometimes the younger people do shed a different light on a topic that does makes good sense. I don't want sympathy but my friends here know I do have health related disabilities and if I don't get to answer everyone they all forgive me. I do what I can in a day and the rest will be there tomorrow. I hope to be able to start getting around better soon. Hope to see you on my friends list. Take Care.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 May 08
Yes I am very much a female. Hope you feel better soon. The friend addition has been taken care of.
• Canada
8 May 08
Hi Whiteheather39, I think my profile says I am 88. I do not think it should show an age at all. I am in my thirties and I just did not think it was anyone business how old I am. So I agree with you one hundred percent! I love and care for the elderly. (I need to say this before I say..)when I was at the grocery store today an elderly lady behind me at the cash register rolled her eyes and muttered "I cant believe you". This was directed at me because I had two carts of groceries I was ringing through and she had to wait to buy her bread. Someone opened another cash register for her. I would have let her go ahead of me but i already started. We are all equal.
1 person likes this
• United States
8 May 08
Yes we are all equal. Your experience at the store was really rude. I do my grocery shopping on Wednesdays because seniors get a discount and I can tell you I am so ashamed of some of the people in my age bracket. They seem to think that being elderly gives them the right to be rude and sometimes downright obnoxious!
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
12 May 08
I haven't noticed newer, elderly Mylotters doing this hon and I do think it's a cop out. Or maybe these folk are a bit self conscious. It can be a bit daunting for some older people mainly to join a well established internet forum like ours...maybe they are only noticing younger members. You are not so much judged by your posting be you 18 or 80, I feel but your posts will attract responders mostly of a similar or close age. That's what I've found in my case. I don't think we should have any expectations of wisdom due to experience of an older member because you can be hard headed and stubborn at 18 and still be the same at 80. A person might have more experience but it doesn't necessarily make them wiser.
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
9 May 08
I can't imagine Lying my age on myLot! Those of you who know me might be getting tired of my Bragging! Age is Like a Badge of Honor and should be worn with Pride! I'll take anyone on, any time! I'll even take the short end of the rope! Actually I've never noticed a Senior myLotter using age as an excuse! Perhaps I'm getting Senile in my Old Age!
• United States
9 May 08
Then we have not see the same discussions.
• Philippines
10 May 08
you are right. it is not always that we learn from elders, there is also much to learn from young people especially these days.
• United States
10 May 08
I know that some very interesting takes on a topic are given by younger people.
@J_Dawgs (217)
• United States
12 May 08
Well personally i just say for myself that young or old age should not be an "excuse" when it comes to people on 'mylot' because coming here you know it is basically open game to a point and you can and probably will at some point get your feelings or whatever hurt. That said being old (or young) should not be an excuse either for anything, if you don't know about a topic you shouldn't reply to it. People have the right to reply how they want when they want, its a discussion board and thats what its for if I am not mistaken. In the real world, yes I believe you should respect your elders and such. On mylot, watch yourself and don't expect to be treated differently because you are old or young. My two cents... ~*~J_Dawgs~*~
@anawar (2404)
• United States
8 May 08
How insightful you are! What a wonderful reason to hide your age. I don't consider it a lie. It's a bit comical too. I'm smiling thinking of what you wrote. If people are 80 and cranky, they were probably 18 and cranky. I haven't stepped over any posts like you mention. I can't imagine what these elderly people want from mylot people. What do they mean saying we should give them more rope? I'm interested. Words are timeless, and you're correct_ Elderly people are here to guide us with their wisdom. Long ago, village elders were venerated because they had gathered so much wisdom and insight over their lives. Everyone respected the elders. The oldest one in the village or tribe had the most power in decision making. I agree with you 100%. Our forum posts speak volumes of who we are. I admire you because I like the way you think.
• United States
10 May 08
Thank you! How kind of you
@thealim (74)
• Philippines
9 May 08
Age doesn't matter you know...Wow your so fast you already had 9071... It's really amazing unvaileivable...Can you be my friend too...I'm just new, it's still my 4th day using ithis site..
• United States
10 May 08
Welcome to myLot. I am not so fast I have been a member for almost a year and a half. I enjoy myself on this site and the numbers do not mean anything to me.