People here tend to look older than they really are. Therefore, people who are in their early 20's look like they're in their mid-20's, people who are in their late 20's and early 30's look even older and those in their early 40's often look as old or older than my parents(who are 57).
I had a peculiar thing happen to me. As a teenager I looked a fair amount older than I was. But in my 20's I kind of stopped that advance and most people don't know how old I am, even in the States. But here, there's even more of a difference and most people are quite amazed when they find out my age. Therefore, I don't usually volunteer the information, because I don't feel like answering all of the questions that go along with the revelation of my age: Are you married? Why aren't you married? Do you want to be married? Are you worried that you won't be married, etc., etc. You get the picture. But, this topic has come up three times this past week and I have been quite amused that I received the same response all three times:
"You've been preserved very well!!"
ummm, thanks. Sheesh, I didn't think I was that old. What, is thirty the new fifty, or something? You hit thirty and that's it. No more life is left in you, no more hope. If I was fifty and told that I had been preserved well, I would really appreciate it. But, it's hard to take it as a compliment when most people that I know in the US look better at 30 than they did as teens. And yet I know that this isn't the US, and that people age much quicker here. So for now, I'll just appreciate the fact that God slowed down my aging clock and that I'm being well preserved. =-D
6 comments:
Well preserved aside from that slightly maniacal look in your eyes when you smile like that: "HI!! I'm going to bite your NOSE off!! " I guess the idea was holding up well externally, eh... not getting into the topic of Accelerated Chronic Senile Dementia, were we...? sorry.well. Ahem. Well preserved you are!! Rather.
cheers!
Well preserved!!! AT THIRTY!! Dang! Maybe I can claim some responsibility for that, since you have my genes. But, I think I look all of my 57 years!! (: (Not complaining, just true!!) My well preserved daughter you are a very lovely thirty!! Love you! Mom
Mom, you do look your years in America. But you also look good for your age. You don't look older. But here, when people asked me how old you and dad were(after meeting you) they couldn't believe you were 57. Because 57yr. olds here look much older. So, count your blessings and thanks for the genes! =-D
And a note to my brother: at least I smile and don't look like I'm having my mugshot taken.
Pretty funny! Yeah, why is it that we look better at thirty than we did in college? I think thirty is a great age. I think it's treating us pretty well!
I do remember one time when we were in Russia and someone asked if I was Will's SISTER!! I was amazed! People do wear out quicker over there. Life is so hard for them and they don't have the advantages of good medical care, skin care, etc. We are so blessed over here!!! Love you! Mom
I love this post. I know how I am going to greet you next time I see you, Anna! :-)
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