My step grandmother told me that 70 is a great age, because that is when you get to say whatever you think, and no longer care what other people think of you. I have heard this from other people too, I can't wait to be 70 so I can say whatever the Hell I want. Boy, grandma took it to heart. She called my cousins ex girlfriend scum right to her face (which honestly she was), told my cousin that he needed to stop dating crazies, and just is much more opinionated than usual. Which, honestly, has been kind of entertaining. Has any one else ever heard someone say that? When I get to ___ age, I can say and do whatever I want? I know kids say that about becoming adults...but adults becoming elderly?
I have to say I think there might be something to this. Why? Because my dog has seemed to reach this point. She is 10, and started stealing food right in front of us (She was always sneaky before), started counter surfing when we are in the room with her, once I even took something away from her that she got out of the trash, and she walked right past me to the trash can and got another one! Is this like a biological thing? Help my dog has become a crotchety old lady!
HA! If she hadn't TOLD me that she was doing this because of her age, I may have wondered about her mental state. :)
She isn't awful all the time or anything. Just where she would be quiet before (if she didn't like something or someone) she now just lets it all come out.
My grandmother is 85 she says absolutely everything that comes to her head there is no "filter". I am not one to really hold back as it is but I really cant wait until I get old and I can just let the filter go.
Hmmm. Sometimes I already act 70 :)
Warning
by Jenny Joseph
WHEN I AM AN OLD WOMAN I SHALL WEAR PURPLE
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
Taken from the book
When I Am An Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple
Editd by Sandra Martz
Papier Mache Press--Watsonville, California 1987
and this poem had so much impact, this entire society was born
http://www.redhatsociety.com/aboutus/Legacy.html
I think loss of inhibition can be a sign of brain degeneration.
As far as your doggie . . . maybe she's challenging her pack position. Or maybe she just doesn't believe anything bad will happen LOL!
I hope I don't ever get to where I say the first thing that enters my brain because I will probably alienate many people. I think it's good to stop caring what other people think, but I also know that words can hurt and we should avoid sharp tongues.
JMO.
Yes, I've heard that, too!
(And I agree that it happens with dogs--they just get....BOLD...they don't care, the reward is worth the chastising they're gonna get.)
Just another good reason to lie about our age! LOL
(Enjoy the ride with grandma!)
That is too funny. I like Grandma. A lady used to work with me that retired at 75. When she turned 70 she told me she was going to start saying whatever was on her mind. What are they going to do fire me and boy did she ever say what was on her mind. I sat in the next office over from her and I would hear her say things that I am too scared to say now. I'm in my 40's so I look forward to saying what I want at 70 too.
Are you sure is not 34?
What a fun must be those family dinners, I have not grandparents any more, so I am jealous.
=*(
I think as you age, you stop playing so many games or worrying about what people think. My grandmother isn't so outspoken (she never was) but my MIL is becoming more outspoken. The "kids" are also older and there's less reason to withhold opinion like you might if they were younger.
My MIL is 70 and although she doesn't care what people think of her she will not say what is on her mind as it comes into thought. At least not always, she doesn't want to or like to hurt anyone’s feelings. There are times when she will offer her opinion even if you don't ask for it.
With age comes wisdom from life experiences.
As for your dog, she must know that she will not get into too much trouble or she just doesn’t care.
I don't know. I've found my 40s to be pretty liberating. I don't have the hang-ups I did in my 20s and 30s. I say what I really think a lot more and don't put up with much, either. I'm not quite as blunt as your grandma, but definitely speak up more now. I had an aunt sending toxic emails to me and I told her to stop contacting me, despite the fact that she has cancer. My old self would have been a softie, but I just don't have time for putting up with toxic people anymore.
I really do think as you get older, you learn not to sweat the small stuff and make the most of life. It's too short to put up with much.
I'm not 70 but I am definately there but with a twist. I generally try to speak the truth with love. I am generally slow to speak and quit to listen but when I do speak I choose my words carefully and wisely. I just don't see the need in being rude or crass. I'm crafty enough to get my point across without insulting or hurting another. It's really cool and great fun at times watching people's response to something I have said when they are confused about if they should be offended or not.
