Here’s an etiquette lesson for all those reconnecting via the Facebook phenomenon: never and I mean never use the word ‘mature’ to describe a woman who is maturing. As my 2 year old toddler would say, that’s not nice.
After finding each other on Facebook a few months ago, I was surprised when an old friend from high school asked if he could call. Given my broadcasting background, he thought I could offer a few television tips which might help him better market his business. As it turns out, I was absolutely no help to him whatsoever; but for this particular post, that’s neither here nor there.
What is here nor there: the six words he said that seared my soul.
When our talk turned to Facebook, we were agreeing how strange it is to see someone you remember as a 16 year old high school kid again as a 30-something year old adult.
Me: “It’s weird, right? ”
Him: “Yeah, it’s a little weird.”
Me: “And I know they’re thinking the same thing about me.”
Him: {pause} {pause} {pause}
Me: “Right? I mean, do I look older?”
Why did I ask that? Why?!? As soon as I said it, I knew our conversation would have a bloody ending.
I’m like that dumb girl in horror movies skipping around oblivious of the axe murderer hiding in her bedroom ready to chop her into itty, bitty, bite sized pieces.
I squeezed my eyes, held my breath, and braced for the slaughter. And it’s a good thing I did.
Him: “Yeah, you do look more mature.”
I’m already having a mild case of mid-life crisis. I’m about to turn 35 in a few weeks and the last thing I need is for someone to say I look mature.
“What did you expect him to say?” my husband asked when I later told him the whole sordid story.
I don’t know. What I do know: I bet it’ll take another 15 years before I let my former high school friend call again.
Related posts:
- I Just Turned 35. And it’s Weird.
- Toddler Talk
- I’m Totally Talking To You. But Not in French.
- Bye Bye Bah-Bahs
- Conversations of a Play Date
Tags: Facebook
Take it from someone who was next to you every Friday night for a couple of years…you look now just like you did then, but with a super fabulous short hair cut, great sense of style and three very handsome men at your side!
Your FB pictures have amazed me for the aboslute opposite reason…”This girl hasn’t aged!”…I’ve thought to myself…”I bet she can still do the back handsprings and middle splits like a champ!”
oh, poor bastard. he was sooo not prepared for that, was he? hehe
a safe bet is to never ask ANYONE if we look old, tired, fat or saggy.
there just isn’t a right answer there. because if we’re asking, we probably already know and we’ll hate their answer (a) because they are too honest or (b) they’re lying.
((and, SERIOUSLY, if i have to use my fingers one more time to do your spam protection i’m sending my ass back to school. what the hell? i have two degrees and i’m counting on my FINGERS???))
This guy must NOT be married or in a serious relationship or he would know better.
You’re still 17 to me!
Oh I think there are a ton of better answers for example:
Him: “No, that is why I was able to find you so easily on facebook, you look just like you used to, only better.”
See much more appropriate.