So, I was out downtown not long ago and had the pleasure of being entertained by a large group of women. You have seen it before.. They were all clearly dressed for a “special occassion” and my guess is that the youngest of the group was still well over 40. By 11pm, it was obvious that they had consumed a fair share of “spirits” and were having a great time.
I am no hater, so I just sat back and enjoyed the show. Plus, it was nice to see something different in one of the clubs I frequent. And that’s what got me thinking…
At what age are you “too old” to be going out dancing downtown? I am not talking an occassional ‘girls night out’… I mean on a regular basis… Does it matter which bar/club you go to? What you wear? If you are male or female? How you dance? Or how often you go?
Now, I am no spring chicken and there have been many times that I am sure I am the oldest female in the club but it hasn’t stopped me yet. When I was young, I used to think… hell no, who cares… I will go out as long as I want.
Then you wake up one day and your kids are old enough to go to the club and pointing out how embarrassing it is that you still go. Will I turn around one day and find I am one of the “old ladies” that all the young people are staring and laughing at?
As I swiftly approach my 30th (next Saturday) I am finding myself thinking about this topic quite frequently. I believe age IS merely a number and I am happy to lie if it makes people who disagree feel a little better about why I’m out and about!! Look, I say 30 is the new 20 and 40 the new “little black dress” so play ladies… play!!
I think it’s not a matter of age but of venue, you’re venue should change the older you become…think about it, if you’re 33 and are still going to the clubs you went to on your 21st B-Day…consider yourself cockblocked
I agree Obi…. if the people around you aren’t growing up… its time for you too.
Also, it depends on where you are in the rest of your life… still have fun but make sure that “the party” isn’t your only priority… If the only life accomplishment you can count is the number of hangovers you have… Time to move on.
I think we know a few of those. 😉 I can name one at least!
I think age is simply a number so long as you can pull it off. I have many friends well into their 40s who still frequent the same places we’ve been going to for years. They are fun. They are lively. They can dance and they can keep up. Then, I also have friends in their 20s who walk about Downtown awkwardly. They don’t feel like they belong and when you don’t have that, nothing can make you fit in.
So, for those who question whether or not you should still be out and about, it really boils down to how comfortably you are in whatever environment you’ve chosen.
Eph bein too old. Eph bein laughed at. Eph your age. And…eph the venue. Have phun enjoy your life. Nobody is going to live it for you. Go where you want and do what you want. If you want to keep from making a fool of yourself have some class and stay on your P’s, Q’s. A fall down drunk is phunny at any age. If you do fall down learn to laugh at yourself, it’s really not that serious in the grand scheme of things. The issue is whether your getting what you want and need out the experince and is it taking you where you really wana go. If not remember the definition of insanity is doing the same thing expecting different results.
If you really livin off the wall you’ll always belong at a good party. If your just tryin you never did.
BryteBlaqu– I know you.. you are a poet… and if you believe that quote about insanity (I know where that comes from, I too own that book) , why would you encourage fall down drunks? I don’t think it’s funny, more I think it sad. Your poetry speaks to building up yourself, not becoming a sheep honoring yourself and being true to who you are… so if you believe those things, why would you suggest that someone is getting what they want and need out of an experience like being fall down drunk? Did I misread that? I mean I suppose if I see it as they need to hit the ground before they can truly see, then maybe you have a point… is that what you meant?
All I meant was that if you get too sloppy you’re going to make a fool of yourself no matter how old or young, but if you do slip up try not to take things too SERIOUSLY. That is unless you’re not ending up where you want to be, then you made need to reevaluate. I find it hard to believe anybody habitually falling down is getting what they need or want out of life.
As for my poetry I write about a lot of things, but the real question is where did you here it and who are you?
P.S. The whole douche bag thing might be a bit of a self fulfilling prophecy, I mean you gotta believe what people say about themselves…ryte?
Ahhh.. got cha! I have seen you many times at the Austin Poetry Slam.. and my screen name is actually quite opposite of who I am… it was more of an inside joke between me and another friend. I am a very big believer in the power of the word. Toltec theology and self fulfilling prophecy. You are what you believe you are…
“Your life is the manifestation of your personal dream.”
” You create yourself, whatever you believe, you are. Your whole reality, everything you believe, is your creation”
It’s all about how you present your self. An aged cougar needs to dress in appropriate attire. Instead of wearing the mini skirts and Ugg’s.
I’m old school and have done the party/bar scene for years. Am I getting tired. Yes. Do I still go out? Yes. It really just depends what’s going on in your life.