Wednesday, April 18, 2018

That streak of gray

So yesterday I was in a thrift store in the city, purchasing a replacement coat for the one I have with a broken zipper. I brought the garment up to the register, and the nice lady asked me if I was 55 or older. "Actually, I'm exactly 55," I said. "Why?"

"Because you get a 20 percent senior discount," she replied, punching the keys on the cash register.

Ouch.


I suppose it was inevitable, but honestly, that's the first time I've been "rewarded" for being a "senior." I put "senior" in quotes because I sure don't feel like one. But I guess that long streak of gray in my otherwise brown hair is a giveaway. I wasn't sure whether to be flattered or insulted.

But if there's one thing I've learned from my dear mother, it's to age gracefully. Mom never dyed her hair or fought the wrinkles. I guess now it's my turn to do the same.

But still. Ouch.

21 comments:

  1. A lot of the time I do not feel my age. But sometimes I wish I had not saved so much in my younger years and had more fun when I could still enjoy it!

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  2. I got excited when I qualified for any senior discount. And I don't die my hair either. I have "racing stripes" that seem to get wider each year.

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  3. As a Women who is very in to her 40's. Mum of a 11yr old and a 7 month old.I have been rocking the grey hair thing since I was 16. People have always thought my children were my Grand Children !!

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  4. I'm 62, and the first time IS a surprise! - lol

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  5. I started getting gray in my 30s and was offered the senior discount by 50. I refused it until I hit 55 and then took it gratefully. By then I was totally gray. I work on the theory that I've earned every gray hair that I have.

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  6. Spoiler Alert: It gets worse.
    Dock Guy

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  7. welcome to the club, who cares if your considered a senior you got 20 % off. enjoy the savings.

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  8. My Grandfather just turned 100yrs on March 22nd and I 55yrs on March 10th. At his celebration we shared an Ultra Light beer together. He is a retired dairy farmer, Master plumber and Master furniture maker. He tells me 55 yrs is still a baby and wet behind the ears... It's all Good!

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  9. I got my first gray hair when I was 19 which coincides with the birth of my first child, hmm. Anyway, my first time I got the "you get a discount for being a senior" is when I went to the drugstore and the young guy (kid) rang me up. I told him that he did not have the right price on the register and he replied that it was senior day and I got a 10% discount. I also did not know what to do with the info, I was also in my 50's. My husband now keeps telling me that we should always ask if there is a senior discount, but we always forget, I guess we are seniors at 66.

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  10. I can live with "Senior citizen" --just don't call me elderly.--SuccotashRose

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  11. Hey...I've always felt blessed that God allowed me to get this far. I deserve a discount!

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  12. Value Village here has a weekly senior day (tuesday) for 30%off.
    Don't forget the senior deals at restaurants. Like free coffee at McDonalds or free pop at Wendys.
    SJ in Vanvouver BC

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  13. Take it and run, Lady. Tokens might not be the same as actual, heartfelt respect...

    ...but better than nothing.

    I turned 40 this year. I'm reveling in visible gray hairs, and seriously contemplating sending an assortment of jellies and such, labelled "middle aged spreads," to my friends to celebrate my joyful acceptance of getting older...

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  14. My brother refused the senior discount. But when I told him that he was being offered a longevity discount he changed his mind. And never mind gray hair, he doesn't have any.
    As for me, a bigger shock was the first time I was called "M'am" instead of "Miss!"

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  15. Enjoy every second of it, you have earned it.

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  16. I have earned every gray hair on my head. I'm a year behind you, but have been offered 'senior' discount several times, wouldn't take it, but once I really do qualify, I will gladly take advantage of it!And I will not be joining AARP but AMAC instead...

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  17. I believe "owning" our age is not something to take lightly. In our youth-obsessed culture, those of us who qualify to be elders must stop acquiescing to the notion that the young are more knowledgeable and visionary than those who are older. There is a reason elders are supposed to be the ones in leadership, and much of how the world got to the state it's in is due to the abdication of true eldership. We've bought into the lie that youth is better and therefore we mustn't show our age. How will young people learn to revere their elders, if no one wants to admit to being one? When children and youths control the village, the wisdom gathered over many generations is lost and the whole village suffers. We must push back against the idea that youth is better, and we can start by not being ashamed of our grey. "Grey hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life." Prov. 16:31

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  18. Patrice, take comfort in knowing that you of all gals will never be associated with 'The Gray Lady', The New York Times.

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  19. I did color my hair for a while as I had kids late in life and didn't want to look like their grandma. But quit about 6 years ago. Now I am rockin' the silver, but very few of my friends have joined me. Main thing is my hubby and my kids are fine with it. And even though i did it myself so it was not to expensive, it's just nice not to hassle with it every few weeks.
    Janae @ Creekside Farmstead

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  20. Made it to 65 in November (don't feel 65 either). Embrace your age. You don't get that gorgeous look at 20 -- takes time to become that beautiful. I was mistaken for a senior when I was 40 (my son was 4 years old at the time). It only gets better!

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