I've been old-ish for about the last 10 or 12 years - maybe longer. A comment that Haywire made on another thread brought back this memory: Years ago, I was having a conversation with a much younger friend and I offered that recently people, particulary women, now look right through me as if I weren't there. I glance THEIR way, prepared to offer a ready smile and greeting and - nothing. In a single instant, a millisecond, another person is able to make the assessment that I don't get a second look.
At that time, it was a recent development. Wherever I went, people USED to smile, nod, and engage me in conversation, so I asked that young friend for his take on the social dynamics. What he said served me well to this day.
He said, "You look outward through the EYES of a much younger man and you only see half of the scene. When you encounter a young woman, YOU see her as a social equal, but she sees YOU as the old guy at the pool she PRAYS won't take his shirt off!" I have always appreciated that frankness as I've since tried to see myself as others see me. It has saved me many times from acting foolish.
