Why do people ask my age so much?
The point of someone asking your age is almost always so that the asker can make a judgment about you based on that age—what other reason is there? Finding out your age is a way for people to size you up, put you in a specific box, determine their expectations for you, and decide whether you meet them sufficiently.
- Say politely but as if confused: “Why do you want to know that?”
- Laugh and say: “Old enough to know better than to answer that question.”
- Say “How old do you think I am? ...
- Say what we did as kids: “Same age as last year but a year older.”
- Pretend you didn't hear.
- Say nothing and stare at them blankly.
Age does matter and marks significant social and legal milestones, so it's normal for both women and men to be asked this question considering those circ*mstances. But, outside of those important circ*mstances, there is no other real basis for this question than judging the person and that's what makes it intrusive.
Don't ask strangers or people you don't know well their age. If it almost seems like you SHOULD know their age but don't, then you can ask. You'd both need to feel like you know each other well at that point, to a degree.
Romantic couples with a large age gap often raise eyebrows. Studies have found partners with more than a ten-year gap in age experience social disapproval. But when it comes to our own relationships, both men and women prefer someone their own age, but are open to someone 10-15 years their junior or senior.
She may be wondering if you are an “age appropriate” possible partner. She could be wondering if she is too young for you, or too old. This last consideration is very important in a person's teenage years, less so as they get older. For example a 40 year old, and a 35 year old, as a couple, are unremarkable.
What can I say to someone who asks how old I am but I don't want to tell him? A polite smile, a very small nod and, “I'd prefer not to say, thank you.” Hold to that. Establish a boundary. Virtually no one needs your private information.
So, try to give people the benefit of the doubt, and instead of getting annoyed (or reacting), calmly acknowledge the statement and move on. Just say, “I get that a lot,” or “Thank you!”—and get back to the work at hand.
“Can I ask how old you are?” Ask for permission to inquire about age with this polite but slightly more casual question. The wording gives them the option not to tell you if they wish. Use this with acquaintances or someone you don't know well. If you have a legitimate reason you need to know their age, mention it.
- What can I say to someone who asks how old I am but I don't want to tell him?
- I'd make a joke about it.
- “Can you keep a secret? ...
- “Well, I don't qualify for the senior citizen discount, if that's what you're wondering.”
- “Old enough to know better” or if you're over 18, “Old enough to vote.”
Why do some people age so much?
Biological aging is multifaceted. It arises from a complex mix of genetic traits and is influenced by factors like microbiome composition, environment, lifestyle, stress, diet, and exercise. Genetics were once thought to have no influence on aging or longevity.
