After the age of 50, I noticed a gradual but obvious shift in the way people interacted with me. Although I am in good physical shape, look younger than I am, and dress in an up-to-date and classic style, I began to feel as if I really didn’t exist when in business or social situations. Now, the question arises – what to do about it – or, just go with the flow and figure that it’s the way of the world. However, my inner, and rebellious self cries out: “I am not invisible and I refuse to be ignored!” I’m tired of the lack of social graces and basic common courtesy of the younger generations. I see a world that has grown increasingly preoccupied and self-absorbed with ‘toys’ and individuals who can’t focus for more than 30 seconds. So, I continue to be pleasant, retain my sense of humor and continue to remain visible – to the best of my ability – and will go down fighting for my right to be seen and heard. Bring it on!
I thought I would revisit this post. I was going to respond to some of the comments but I won't. I realize I wrote this on the wrong site.
By the way..nevermind.
My six year old granddaughter told me just the other day that she is learning yoga in gym class. She said the teacher told them it would help them to calm down and be more peaceful. Then she demonstrated warrior lll and tree pose. I promised her I'd 
An addendum: I'm a little bit of a perfectionist and by little bit I mean a lot. I hate making mistakes, hate getting in trouble and am not a bit fan of being wrong. However, I learned that the most useful thing I could do for myself was to all
Watermusic,
That is exactly what to do to keep your spirit and energy in harmony. Thank you for sharing. Letting yourSelf off the hook is the hard part. Good for you.
I want to share your story with a client that is coming next week who can ne
I guess it is your son or M. Obviously your son is into protecting you from further engagement in a destructive relationship. Your son is right, you did deceive him. Again, obviously he holds you in higher esteem than you hold yourself.
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I LOVE what you wrote! I have spent my life making sure I am NOT invisible! I march (as a woman veteran) in the parades in my uniform and 3 inch spike heels, waving to the crowds. I am a dancer, singer, author and writer. I stood up in front of a church who voted me out of membership and gave a speech and said, “Wow, I didn’t think this many people would show up to help me celebrate my birthiday (they put up a large sign that said, “Conduct Unbecoming a Child of God.”
I wrote about my life and won a scholarship and am a freshman in college at 65! I won the “Distinguished Undergraduate Student Award” and stood in of front of thousands of people to accept it.
I have written my memoir and a poetry book……..I am the moderator of an abused survivors’ group, working like a “Trojan” for over 10 years to try and get the message out there regarding verbal and physical abuse; my intention is to appear on national tv.
I will never…..be invisible, and like you am appalled by the lack of consideration, social graces, manners, class, etc…by the younger generation.
When I march in the parade, I tell people to “Please put your hand over your heart when the flag passes by.” My daughter teases me about that, but I don’t care.
Alicia – thanks for your comment and you go, girl! Best wishes for a great college experience. And like you, I’ll continue to stay involved and stay visible.
Wow, it is so great to hear about women who are NOT succumbing to that invisibility which is too-often imposed by social convention. Women of a certain age are not often valued for their input in this culture. I’m presenting as part of a panel at BlogHer ’12 in NYC in August on a related topic, “Blogging Into Midlife: The Tension Between the Online Spotlight and Offline Invisibility” and would love to hear women’s stories about these issues. I’ll be following the comments here, as well as in my blog on VN, “Who Says?!”, where I’m talking about this, too.
I am English and live in America and whenever I open my mouth all heads turn! Invisible? Rarely! I used my accent to my advantage knowing that whenever I spoke people sat up and listened…they told me an English accent carried authority! No pressure!
I’ve just spent a year back home and I am pretty well ignored…no more, “I love your accent, where are you from?” In London I am no longer whistled at, groped, made passes at, stared at or chatted up. Whew, what a relief. Having survived that part of my life while everyone focused on my accent I am able to embrace my invisibility, at least until I return Stateside!
Have you seen Betty White’s new show “Off Our Rockers”? Very funny and based on this premise. They ‘punk’ young people who have ignored them.