growing up

[insideontheoutside]

I have to admit it; I do love the look of shock on people's faces when I say that I'm fifty. But I think that my demeanor, not just my appearance, is young. The inner thirteen-year-old making himself known. He's a bit older now, I think, but he's still there and still a dominant force.

I've started feeling more like an adult in the past year, year and a half. But more like a very young adult, maybe early twenties. I'm doing things that I could have been doing in my twenties--living alone for the first time, working on my career, trying to finish school...and learning how to handle my emotions and relate to real people.

Arch, just as an aside ... I want to thank you for coming around and posting. I'm not fifty, but I'm definitely older than what seems like the large majority of guys here, so I really appreciate input from some of the guys who are past their 20s and 30s.

I can relate to your different ages for different things as well. I feel young still. Like I feel high school could have been several years ago and not a couple decades. I'm pretty healthy (compared to some of my friends my age and from what I see in general) and active. I still do most of the things I did do when I was much younger (play games, read comics, do outdoor activities, etc. etc.). I think the ways I've matured is knowing when to be all mature and when I can just have fun. Well, paying a mortgage and running a business is all responsibility-land but I honestly try to have fun with just about everything. I do feel like a grown man in many ways but also a kid in many ways too. Emotionally, I'm kind of all over the board when it comes to certain things. On some things I can be really wise, like some old guy who's already 80, and on other things I can feel like I'm 12.

If you're in a situation that allows you to remain youthful (regardless of your actual age) then enjoy it while you can. The world likes to place expectations on people based on age in society and I for one think that it's not necessary. Everyone grows up in their own time and I believe growing up is hastened by experiences, not physical age.

I kind of believe this too, although I've met some people who have been through some crazy, awful stuff in life and managed to keep their youthfulness. Perception and how you react to certain things also plays a huge part.

[spacerace]

Arch, just as an aside ... I want to thank you for coming around and posting. I'm not fifty, but I'm definitely older than what seems like the large majority of guys here, so I really appreciate input from some of the guys who are past their 20s and 30s.

QFT. I'm still in my 20's for a bit more, but it is really nice to know other people are outside the 18-24 age range.

[Arch]

I'm certainly a good example of what not to do. Don't deny and repress for twenty years...not a good outcome.

Not too long ago, I dropped by the LGBT center at one school where I teach. A couple of students were hanging out there. I'm graying at the temples, wearing Dockers and a nice sport shirt, and carrying a big briefcase. They thought I was a student. That, I don't get. I mean, it IS a community college, and the students come in all shapes, sizes, and ages...but, still, I thought I looked sufficiently professorial. Apparently not. And to think that I used to wear Levi's and t-shirts on campus.

Some days I feel much younger than others.

[krakenshay]

i agree with most on here, when other people realize my true age it gets al awkward cause they feel bad and im just pissed. well i used to get pissed, now i pick my battles  cant afford additional stress over something i really cant do anything about yet. my sis is 3yrs younger than me but is considered older cause she is taller and isnt baby faced. which i have noticed a bunch of trans guys are. i also fid it easier to call myself a guy rather than a man at this stage.

good to find that im not alone.