Lying about age is as common as a cat video going viral. We’ve all caught someone stretching the truth about their number of years-whether it’s Aunt Judy swearing she’s 39 or your neighbor insisting she’s forever 21. In 2024, it’s hard to avoid the age talk, especially when social media is constantly asking for birthdates, making us feel like our lives are pinned on a corkboard for everyone to see. Honestly, I’ve had my fair share of age fibbing-like that one time I shaved off a couple of years to get into a club’s "under 30" night. No one wants to be the oldest at the party, am I right?
So why do people feel the need to lie about their age? The reasons are as varied as the apps on your smartphone. From the desire to land a job to the urge to look more enticing on dating apps, the motivations behind these fibs range from the practical to the downright whimsical. While some might brush it off as harmless, others believe these little white lies can lead to bigger, more complicated issues. But who am I to judge? According to the latest studies, over a third of adults have admitted to tweaking their age at least once in their life.
Let’s dive deeper into this phenomenon. Ever heard of ageism in the workplace? That’s one whopping reason why people lie about their age. No one wants to be perceived as outdated just because they’ve got a few more candles on their birthday cake. And honestly, the mirror isn’t always the kindest, so why should we be? Overcoming self-esteem issues often makes the list too, especially when society worships the cult of youth.
Speaking of society, let’s not forget the pressure coming from those pesky dating apps. Swipe left, swipe right, but does anyone swipe for the "mature" category? Whether you’re 29 going on 45 or vice versa, there's always that split-second decision: Should you add a couple of years for wisdom or subtract them for youth? It's almost like an age calculator game where the rules keep changing.
To get the full scoop, we’ll explore specific angles like Why Ageism in the Workplace Prompts Lies, and The Role of Dating Apps in Age Deception. Besides, we’ll touch upon some cultural perspectives, since how we perceive age varies widely from one country to another.
My aim here is to lay out the 7 core reasons why people lie about their age. Ready to find out the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the embellished truth? Let's get to it!
1. Vanity
People take a good hard look in the mirror and realized that the years sped by THAT fast and suddenly they are no longer 20 or 30 or 40 anymore. If you could turn back time, would you really want that? A lot of people want to be thought of as young and beautiful so celebrating birthdays become the less pleasant days of the year. So... they lie about their age...
2. Competition
There is always someone younger, hungrier and ready to climb up your back for that promotion at work, especially in a world where youth - unfortunately - is valued more than age and experience. So...telling someone you are perpetually “stuck” at 42 doesn’t sound like a bad idea at all.
3. Ego
Who wants to be called old? Or useless? Or unwanted? No one of course, and it is our hubris that will tell us that we are more than what or who we think we are. It is our ego that always gets us into trouble so you might want to stick that in a drawer somewhere and learn to enjoy life as it comes to you.
4. Aging Ungracefully
Some people simply do not want to be “old” and want to stay young forever. For them, aging is what happens to other people. They will dress just as their counterparts do who are 10 or 20 years their junior, instead of embracing their life experiences and the wisdom that comes of it. I mean really … do you really want to go through high school all over again? Nah. No, thank you.
5. Want More Time
Lie is so deliciously wonderful that some people just want to live forever. Sorry buddy. You only have a finite amount of time on good ol’ terra firma so chin up and take what is given to you. However, you can slow down time by giving service to others and in that you will find a great sense of joy and happiness. That is more meaningful than spending money on botox treatments and face lifts.
6. Fame
For those of us who have tasted it at least once, the clarion call of “lights, camera, action” is more intoxicating than a fine glass of wine; and sorry to say that some of us will do anything to be in the limelight at least one more time. Lying about our age is a small price to pay.
7. Acceptance
At the end of the day, we, who are fortunate to grow old, should just accept that we can no longer run 20 miles a day like a gazelle as we could when were 17. Accepting who we are and loving the person we have become is a joyous thing. Embrace the wonder of life and live every day to the fullest. To tell you to love yourself is cliché but it's one of the most truthful pieces of advice you can ever receive from anyone who loves you.
Do you lie about your age? Why?