May I See Your ID?

Thoughts on being of a certain generation.

I am always surprised when I tell someone my age or write it on a form. The number sounds and looks, well, old. Am I that old?

I don’t feel that old. I’m a Baby Boomer but I feel like a member of the Millennial or Gen Z generation. I like to make friends with people younger than I am.

Don’t get me wrong, I like older people (my age) too. I am married to one. I like to hang out and talk with him. But I find engaging with people half my age especially enjoyable. You know, millenials, young adults I could have actually given birth to, like my own children. I am not trying to parent them. I want to know what they they think. What are they reading? What music do they listen to? What are their views on current events? I want to share ideas with them.

I often surprise my younger friends with what I read, watch and listen to. I was recently referred to as “cool grandma.”

People my age are easily offended by new ideas and language often used expressing those ideas. Let’s face it, they can lack an open mind about new ideas. Quite frankly, I often find their attitude and responses to new ideas embarrassing and frustrating. I do not necessarily share the same views as my younger friends, but I am open to listening to them and trying to understand their point of view. I want to participate in conversation that makes me think outside of my box.

I am looking forward to meeting up with one of my Millennial friends for drinks this week. One up side of being my age is I’m never carded when I go out for drinks. What can I say? I may not feel my age, but I look it.