Terry Mitchell

How to Act Young When You Look Old



Posted: Thursday, January 12, 2012

by Terry Mitchell
http://commenterry.blogs.com

I don’t know about you, but I look a lot older than I really am. Now I know I could resolve much of that by coloring my hair with some product like “Just for Men”, but I refuse to go there just yet. But it really gets frustrating sometimes. For example, at my brother’s wedding four years ago, the photographer thought I was his father. Really, I’m not kidding.

And just a few weeks ago, I was a riding in a car with another one of my brothers when he stopped to pick up his paycheck. Anyway, his boss saw me in the car and asked him if I was his father. Now, he only saw me from a distance, but it still hurt. And I’ve had lots of people from my church and other places outside my work environment ask me when I am going to retire. Again, I’m not making this up.

So I’ve decided to fight this battle in my own way. I have resolved that, since I obviously look old, I’m going to act young to compensate for it. So what I am doing to act young? Well, it all has to with the way I move around.

First, I try to walk faster than everyone else. That one is not a big deal for me, as I’ve always had a tendency to walk fast. It’s a family trait.

Second, I try to use quick, snappy movements. That means getting up from a sitting position quickly, sitting down quickly, lying down quickly, getting up from a lying position quickly, changing directions quickly, turning quickly, etc. Now this one presents a little more of a challenge to me. I have to be careful not to hurt or damage a sensitive body part.

Third, I don’t use my hands when getting up or sitting down. This is not as easy as it might sound. I’m amazed at how people much younger than I will push or pull themselves up with their hands when getting up from a seated position. They’ll use either the chair or seat they are sitting in or something in front of them such as a desk or the back of a church pew. Watch this the next time you are in church or any place else where a good number of people are gathered. This one requires a lot of concentration, as there is a natural tendency to use one’s hands when getting up or sitting down.

Of course, if all of that doesn’t work, there’s always the “Just for Men.”
Terry Mitchell is a software engineer, freelance writer, amateur political analyst, and blogger from Virginia, USA. He posts a least one article a day to his blog - http://commenterry.blogs.com - on subjects such as current events, politics, technology, society and culture, religion, health and well-being, self improvement, personal finance, trivia, and sports. He is also the owner of a new privacy-enhanced search engine - http://www.SearchMost.com.

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Top-level comments on this article: (7 total)
» left by Lorrie Davids
130 days 4 hours ago.
96 fans.
Well, Terry, you made me smile! Before you go the way of "Just for Men" check out Danny's article on hair coloring for men. He's been doing it for years! Thanks for an entertaining read.
» left by Terry Mitchell 130 days 3 hours ago.
93 fans.
Hi Lorrie, I'm glad you found it entertaining. :-) I think I will indeed check out Danny's article.
» left by Jack H. Schick 130 days 1 hour ago.
99 fans.
I'm sorry you worry about people thinking you're older tahn you are. I wonder why you worry. the tips are good, though.
» left by Terry Mitchell 129 days 8 hours ago.
93 fans.
Jack, thanks for reading and commenting. Why do I worry about looking older? Because, in our society, youth is glorified, and younger people have more options available to them than older people do. For example, it is a proven fact than those who are older (or perhaps look older) are discriminated against when it comes to job/career opportunities.
» left by Hilda Cang
129 days 8 hours ago.
60 fans.
Terry, I think you really need that thing "just for men" because the misunderstanding is too obvious. (you and your brother ) How could people think you were the father instead of an "older brother" ? Of course, this article made me lol and the incidents you told sound familiar to me. I heard of some too.
» left by Terry Mitchell 129 days 6 hours ago.
93 fans.
Hilda, thanks for reading and commenting. Do you really think I should use the "Just for Men"? :-) Anyway, I'm glad the article made you laugh.
» left by Hilda Cang 129 days 5 hours ago.
60 fans.
I think you should use. Who knows it can really make you look younger. I wouldn't hesitate a moment if the product makes me look younger.

Go for it !
» left by Christofer French
127 days 20 hours ago.
74 fans.
Excellent humor and light-hearted,. I think many identify with you.
» left by Terry Mitchell 127 days 18 hours ago.
93 fans.
Christofer, thanks for reading and commenting.
» left by Kacycarr 125 days 6 hours ago.
109 fans.
Hi Terry loved this piece. To be honest I can think of other ways of acting young that wouldn't make me fear of breaking a bone, but more like put a smile on my face (lol). Like you in time, I pray they do a version of "Just for Men" just for women like me.

Keep well

Kacy
» left by Terry Mitchell 124 days 7 hours ago.
93 fans.
Kacy, thanks for reading and commenting. I'm glad you liked the article. I'm surprised they don't already have a "Just for Women". :-)
» left by Wendi McNeill 124 days 7 hours ago.
Lol…many can identify with you Terry, I am sure of it…we are only as old as we make ourselves. Enjoy life and don’t worry too much :)
» left by Terry Mitchell 124 days 6 hours ago.
93 fans.
Wendi, thanks for your thoughts and advice.
» left by Connie Raines
124 days 2 hours ago.
11 fans. Follow Connie Raines on twitter!
Hi Terry, I love your article, it is very amusing! I can honestly say that I (will turn 60 this year) do color my hair because I hate the way my gray hair looks. I eat healthy, take herbal supplements, drink lots of water and excercise [I do ZUMBA, you should try it!]. I look good and feel great naturally...Don't worry--that will only add years to your life! Just saying...
» left by Terry Mitchell 123 days 10 hours ago.
93 fans.
Connie, thanks for the comments. I'm glad you love the article. I'm going to have to check this ZUMBA thing out. I've never heard of it before. But if it works that well for you ...
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