A cute vintage fold-over clutch.
Some wonderful old ironstone.
And it's a darn good thing I got a great deal on it ($6 for all three pieces) because the unthinkable finally happened to me right at the Good Will counter.
A very cheerful 40-ish looking man was checking me out...I mean, at the check out. You know, ringing up my purchases. In front of several other nice people who were in line, he said,
"Ma'am, will you be using the discount today?"
"Discount?" I say, " What discount?"
"Well, the 25% off discount." He seems to be getting a bit uncomfortable.
"Oh! How do I get the discount? Is there a coupon or something??" I'm excited...and at the same time, I notice that he appears to be a bit uneasy. Fidgety faltering begins as he says,
"Well, you would have to be a certain age."
"Excuse me?"
Well, are you over 55?" ( I think he just might have pooped his pants because of the look on my face.)
If I didn't want that ironstone so badly, I would have smashed one of those pitchers into his smiling face.
I didn't know what to say! I could have said, yes, so I could get the 25% discount just to cover my embarrassment...my pain and suffering... but instead, I stupidly said,
"I'm only 52. Actually, I just got carded when I bought beer because they thought I looked like I was under 50! "
As soon as I got out of the store, of course I called my husband to share this terrible thing with him. "Imagine how rude! You should NEVER ask a lady if she wants a senior citizen discount! Trust me, If someone is entitled to that senior discount, they are going to ask for it! I don't even know what to think! I'm aging! Honey, tell me that I don't look like I'm 55!"
"Well, I don't know if I have anything to say about that."
NOT the right answer, dear.
So, that very night, I got out my Charla Krupp books, "How Not To Look Old" and "How To Never Look Fat Again" Come to think of it, poor Charla God Rest Her Soul died at the ripe old age of 58. I texted my brother-in-law to ask him for a prescription for Retin-A.
I almost made it out of the store before I noticed a gorgeous coral cashmere sweater and a very nice Ann Taylor skirt to re-fashion.
So I had to show my aging face again to that very clerk, who was more than apologetic and sweet to me the second time around.
I got asked that question when I was in my early 40s. It was so traumatic!
ReplyDeleteOh, you poor thing! I just had a conversation with my son who sometimes has to give "that discount". He gets yelled at by the customers all the time for not giving it automatically. He knows that's better than the wrath he would experience if he assuming the opposite!
ReplyDeleteOh, no, Lynne, how awful!!! Your writing about it and the cashier's reaction is funny, but I totally feel your pain too. I use to look so young - like right out of high school when my boys were babies. Boy the looks I got...
ReplyDeleteHow old was the cashier? My children think everyone over 35 are ancient. Everyone under 30 looks like a teenager to me. 25 yr olds look 17! My dentist looks surprising young these days, and my tax accountant, and my doctor...uh oh!
ReplyDeleteYou don't look 55 in your pictures. Seems more likely to me that he was odd, rather than that you actually look 55.
Nice about the cashmere sweaters!
How ruda and aggravating. That clerk needs his eyes tested, did he not see how great you look, how wonderfully dressed you were and that smile you have it says young all over it! I think it is funny you found something else and he had to be uncomfortable when you purchased those items. Maybe he learned a lesson and will be careful what he says from now on.
ReplyDeleteOh Lynne, I'm sorry. How embarrassing for you, and for the clerk. A friend and I meet every Wed night for dinner and as she is on WW, we always go to a certain chain restaurant. They had been discounting our bill for 2 weeks before we realized that we were "seniors". Damn. No one asked us-they just assumed. (rightly)
ReplyDeleteAs I only know you through your blog, I think you project a very young, vibrant energy. It sounds like the cashier may have been functioning on "auto-pilot". Don't let it get you down. We see you as a talented young lady. ;) •Linda•
ReplyDeleteThe first time I was asked that I didn't know if I should be sad or mad. I guess I was a little bit of both. It gets easier. My friend has that book and said I should always wear pink lipstick. I'm trying.
ReplyDeletelol...I like your reply to the cashier.
ReplyDeleteYou look younger than your years....he needs his eyes checked!
Oh boy. I may have wanted to slug him one. Don't take it too personally, many people (including myself) can't judge ages very well.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, just today at work a 26 year old I work with said, REALLY?! when I told her I would be 50 this year. That did feel kinda good.
Having met you in person, I'm sure most people think you are under 50.
Don't let it get to you. You look fabulous! He's just not that smart;) Remind yourself about what he does there and don't worry 'bout it! I've been using Retin-A for years and love it. Can't wait to see how you refashion things you found.
ReplyDeleteGood grief. I can't believe that. Don't give it another thought, because you are one beautiful, vivacious lady.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Amy! You look great! Love the cashmere sweater and skirt. That color will look great on you.
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