Comments on: So much for mellowing

By: jc

jc — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:11:45 +0000

Passion for a cause …. I am sure all human beings are committed to something that is near and dear to their hearts. However, what has happened to the human cause; the passion and respect for other people that should be taught in the early years of childhood. I simply do not get the “entitlement” of persons these days. I am sure many of you read the newspapers, and there is no shortage of rude and inconsiderate individuals that think they can say and do whatever they wish. It is time that all of us take a step back and remember what our parents told us, and that is to treat people the way you would like to be treated. Maybe that should be on the college entrance exam. And I’m glad you told the little @#$%& off!

By: Peggy Northrop

Peggy Northrop — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:48:37 +0000

You lived my fantasy….. You are both funny and righteous. As for impending cronedom, I am looking forward to the day that I can walk down the street waving my cane, yelling “Make way, make way for an old woman!” My great aunt Ruth actually did this on airplanes.

By: Julie A. Wright

Julie A. Wright — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:41:52 +0000

This is so funny. I can relate. They always tackle me when I go into Trader Joe’s. I feel like yelling, “Do you people have any idea what I do for a living? I save people! I am justified for not stopping!” But I never do and just end up trying to squeak by them without them noticing me.

By: Amber

Amber — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 23:15:17 +0000

I’d have wanted to smack her too.

And I may have been tempted to give a snarky reply like, “Actually, nope, the planet isn’t on the top of my list today, thanks.” I mean it’s not TRUE of course. I love the planet. But I imagine it would have rendered her speechless long enough for me to get away.

By: Erika Henkelman

Erika Henkelman — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:16:55 +0000

This is only my second time reading your post and I’m a great fan already! (thanks Marlene for passing me along) I agree with you whole heartedly. Of course my favourite was the person who tried to convince me that we needed to save Michigan’s lakes… by bottling Canadian water (C: (unfortunately she didn’t know I’m Canadian) I look forward to following your post and trying to catch up on some of the back posting too! Thanks so much (C:

By: Vegas Linda Lou

Vegas Linda Lou — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:15:47 +0000

Love it! This illustrates the BEAUTY of getting older. I love being old enough to turn around and speak my mind to someone who’s out of line and not give a shit how the person reacts. For some reason, with age comes permission to live closer to the truth. You no longer have to worry about how you’re perceived because the truth is simply the truth.

I try to teach my daughter and my young friends to “think old” and live closer to the truth like I do. It’s liberating! Unfortunately, young people aren’t always granted this liberty. And that’s where the beauty of getting older lies.

By: Laurel

Laurel — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:33:00 +0000

You are me! I am you! I have had this encounter in my head SO many times. Working at NYU and living in Park Slope (which must be tied for sheer density of canvassers) has given me many opportunities to reflect on this very strange kind of interaction/relationship.

Canvassing has always been tough, but I think non-profits have to rethink it as both a fundraising and education strategy. I’ve actually written to Greenpeace after having a conversation with an earnest young canvasser whose ultimate goal was my credit card number–no cash donations, no petitiion signature, only a credit card pledge would do. It really turned me off. So, I’m becoming the old lady who goes home fuming and then writes indignant letters to organizations.

By: Amy

Amy — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:43:32 +0000

I always use the justification that they may not get the lesson now, but if they hear it enough, it will sink and they will learn. In her case, she needs to learn to not be obnoxious so as to stop giving the movement a bad name. Well done.

Yes, I have come to embrace the fact that I’m going to be one of those cranky old folks who talk back to young’uns with phrases like “In my day….” Ok, maybe that means I am already an old folk.

By: Michele

Michele — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:19:10 +0000

Thank you for thsi post! I thought I was the only one…… I’ve had so many similar situations. It seems like ever since I hit 40, I have zero tolerance for crap. And yes, a few years ago, the old me wouldn’t have bothered.

By: Rhonda

Rhonda — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 02:05:42 +0000

I loved this post! I have had similar encounters and walked away infuriated only to become frustrated later that I didn’t tell the person how obnoxious they were being. I admire you ability to articulate on the spot, even with low blood sugar.