Backhanded Compliment?
Jan 3, 2016 09:54:19 #
jerryc41 wrote:
This isn't really a question - more of an observation. Now that I have gotten to be "older," I notice other older people more. Very often, I will see a lovely older woman and I think to myself, "She must have been gorgeous when she was young." Unfortunately, that's not the type of thing an older woman wants to hear, even though her present good looks hint at her former glory. So, I just keep my thoughts to myself and smile inside.
Jerry, although I am "only 49", I too, am intrigued at the aging process and wonder what "old" people looked like back in their 20s and 30s.
Jan 3, 2016 10:06:02 #
jerryc41 wrote:
This isn't really a question - more of an observation. Now that I have gotten to be "older," I notice other older people more. Very often, I will see a lovely older woman and I think to myself, "She must have been gorgeous when she was young." Unfortunately, that's not the type of thing an older woman wants to hear, even though her present good looks hint at her former glory. So, I just keep my thoughts to myself and smile inside.
Welcome to the club Jerry.
Jan 3, 2016 10:33:26 #
jerryc41 wrote:
This isn't really a question - more of an observation. Now that I have gotten to be "older," I notice other older people more. Very often, I will see a lovely older woman and I think to myself, "She must have been gorgeous when she was young." Unfortunately, that's not the type of thing an older woman wants to hear, even though her present good looks hint at her former glory. So, I just keep my thoughts to myself and smile inside.
If you think about it you should say as you start a conversation with her " Have you always been this pretty"? This would be taken as a compliment and she won't get mad at you. Trust me I do it all the time and it works and gets me a nice smile....Rich
Jan 3, 2016 10:37:54 #
SteveR wrote:
You must've seen Carrie Fisher in Star Wars, Jerry.
Tomorrow - at a mall with an Apple store. I'm worried.
Jan 3, 2016 10:41:15 #
bigwolf40 wrote:
If you think about it you should say as you start a conversation with her " Have you always been this pretty"? This would be taken as a compliment and she won't get mad at you. Trust me I do it all the time and it works and gets me a nice smile....Rich
Sounds great - now where do I find them?
Jan 3, 2016 10:50:29 #
You were able to capitalize on a marvelous opportunity to keep your mouth shut.
jerryc41 wrote:
This isn't really a question - more of an observation. Now that I have gotten to be "older," I notice other older people more. Very often, I will see a lovely older woman and I think to myself, "She must have been gorgeous when she was young." Unfortunately, that's not the type of thing an older woman wants to hear, even though her present good looks hint at her former glory. So, I just keep my thoughts to myself and smile inside.
Jan 3, 2016 11:11:48 #
Nickfh wrote:
I think I look younger than my age - but I've stopped asking other people how old they think I am! Someone asked me that once and I realised how awkward it made me feel, I couldn't think of an answer that was neither patronising nor downright rude!!
Yes, that's a question no one should ever ask. It's a no-win situation. You have to say something ridiculously low so as not offend the guy.
Jan 3, 2016 12:02:05 #
Nickfh wrote:
Sounds great - now where do I find them?
Grocery stores and shopping malls. It's easy to start up conversations at these two places....Rich
Jan 3, 2016 12:19:37 #
hamtrack wrote:
You were able to capitalize on a marvelous opportunity to keep your mouth shut.
My speciality. :D
Jan 3, 2016 12:36:14 #
Funny Jerry,I quite often have the same thought.Great minds think alike...lol
Jan 3, 2016 12:43:34 #
I have the same problem. One thing advanced age grants us is discretion. I frequently say "You look lovely" or "That's a beautiful dress." Maybe not a good idea when talking to a young woman but I don't think any woman over 40 is offended by a sincere compliment.
Jan 3, 2016 13:03:44 #
You must have been very bright when you were younger. :lol: :lol: :lol:
Jan 3, 2016 13:04:12 #
jerryc41 wrote:
This isn't really a question - more of an observation. Now that I have gotten to be "older," I notice other older people more. Very often, I will see a lovely older woman and I think to myself, "She must have been gorgeous when she was young." Unfortunately, that's not the type of thing an older woman wants to hear, even though her present good looks hint at her former glory. So, I just keep my thoughts to myself and smile inside.
I've had the same thought many times. Simply acknowledge the beauty of the woman of today. She knows she was gorgeous in her youth. What she likes to hear now is that she still has it.
Jan 3, 2016 13:31:28 #
A few years ago....I was about 64 at the time....I was playing some basketball, and a young fellow asked me, "Were you really good at basketball when you were young?" I took it as a compliment.... The answer, by the way, was "No."
Jan 3, 2016 13:52:45 #
Nelson.I wrote:
I've had the same thought many times. Simply acknowledge the beauty of the woman of today. She knows she was gorgeous in her youth. What she likes to hear now is that she still has it.
And her makeup is working! :D
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