The first time I got a senior discount was both exciting and discouraging. The clerk just assumed that I was entitled to one and my friend that I was having lunch with had to pay full price. She is 17 years younger than me, but that’s beside the point. At first we didn’t understand why we were charged different prices until the clerk explained. Hmmmm……I thought, do I really look that old or is the girl behind the counter just that young? I always assumed that I’d eventually have to ask for the senior discount not just automatically get one. On the other hand, I do love to save money. Should I feel happy or sad? Not sure. Have to think about this for awhile. I’ve come to the conclusion that age is subjective and definitely all about what’s in your head rather than your calendar years. I remember when I was a teenager, my parents were old and uninformed about the modern world. My grandparents were just ancient. I’m sure, at the time, they still saw me as a child although I was fast approaching adulthood and pretty sure I knew everything important I needed to know. During the old hippie days you couldn’t trust anyone over 30. Really? When my Dad had to go into a nursing home due to his health, he grumbled that he didn’t want to be there with all those “old people”. Never mind that he was 86 at the time. It’s interesting looking back on how we saw the world during different phases of our lives and noticing how we see it now. So the next time your kids or grandkids annoy you take a minute to think about how you used to feel at their age. The next time your parents or grandparents complain or grumble, just remember that they are probably frustrated or maybe even frightened when they realize they are unable to do the things they used to do. Shift your perspective and try to look at things through their eyes. I’m pretty sure you’ll gain a whole new insight into the issue and maybe even find something to laugh about. And when someone gives you a senior discount…smile, say thanks and celebrate your savings. And remember that some day they’ll get the discount too.