She Didn’t Card Me (It Was Horrifying)

But then I told myself this one thing that made it all ok

I use the self-checkouts at the store…what can I say, I’m an extreme introvert and I avoid all contact with humans if possible.

So, when I was scanning my wine last week, I stepped aside like always, and waited for the attendant.

The red light was blinking above my register and she came scurrying over, scanned my Pinot, and waited to enter whatever nonsense they have to on the screen.

This time, I happened to read the onscreen prompt.

It said, “Is the customer under 40?”

She looked at my face, furrowed her brow.

Her gaze moved to my hair and she scrutinized me for what felt like infinity.

My face became hot, my ears were on fire, but I didn’t dare move.

I stood still, knowing she was computing my age. I tried to relax my face while I waited for her to ask for my card.

It never happened.

Then, to stop the madness, I quickly said, “yes, I’m under 40, here’s my card.”

I was mortified.

I’ve always been really accepting of aging, and as my husband says every year when I do complain…