Tuesday, May 26, 2009

The Evolution of Getting Carded

I recently realized that I've reached the age where I don't mind getting carded.

It is no longer causes me to roll my eyes in what my mother calls "youthful indignation." I no longer get a smug look on my face when the person realizes that I'm actually NOT 17 years old. I don't even give them the "are you serious" look of utter exasperation.

Like my former self, some people hate having to take out their ID and get very annoyed by the gesture. Other people are so tickled by being asked for it that they get goofy grins on their faces for the rest of the day. There's an evolution here, I think...

The Evolution of Getting Carded

Age 21-22: Excited about getting ID'd and eager to prove that you're finally of age -- legally. Suck it, bouncers! And waiters! And old ladies at the grocery store! And everyone who's not 21! NOW, SOMEONE BRING ME AN AMARETTO SOUR.

Age 23-24: Smug that you get to prove your legality to the equally smug people who think you're not, but starting to get a little peeved at digging around your purse every. single. time.

Age 24-25: Totally annoyed at still having to prove you're not a damn kid.

Age 26-27: Completely neutral. The annoyance and the flattery are equally balanced -- essentially, it's a wash.

Age 28-29: Flattered -- someone basically thinks you look 10 years younger! Tell everyone and their mother about how you still get carded and, giggle, isn't that hilarious?

30+: Disenchanted and rolling your eyes that some flirtatious bartender is just trying to flatter you. Just pour the drink, buddy.

5 comments:

The Constant Complainer said...

Very enjoyable post. I loved the breakdown. And based on what I've observed with female friends, your points are right on. I loved the " just pour the drink, buddy" comment! CLASSIC.

Bayjb said...

So true. All of it. I'm in the flattered range and when I was carded today at lunch, I definitely felt that.

alexa @clevelandsaplum said...

haha. spot on.

the only time i still get annoyed about being carded is when i can't find my license, and that's my own fault.

Whiskeymarie said...

Age 35+: Revert back to getting excited about getting carded, even tough it's only at the places that card EVERYONE, even retirees.

Melly Mel said...

Ha! that's so funny I'm 23 and I got carded every where I went. BTW I was in Chicago for the first time this weekend and I loved it!

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