Fitting Right In
The other day, after a woman who must’ve been in her late 50’s or early 60’s started talking to me out of nowhere, I started reflecting on the relationship I have with people of all ages.
This lady and I both walked out of a store at the same time, and walked the same couple of blocks towards the train station. Once there, we sat on the same side of the platform: southbound. Perhaps it was this coincidence that inspired her to want to start a conversation.
“I love Sephora,” she said.
“OMG, so do I!” I replied.
Next thing I know, we’re deep in a conversation about skincare.
Then, she asked me what was in my bag and asked if she could see it — a question I found rather intrusive, but given the culture in Miami and her presumed age, I let it slide.
“I got a makeup remover,” I said. And I guess it triggered her “oversharingness” because she was very eager to tell me all about what she got.
We then moved on to food prices and nutrition and I found out we liked the same stores in that department, too. I liked this lady. She definitely looked like a retiree who was enjoying life — good physical shape, knowledgeable, stylish, and eager to have a good time.
She reminded me of my personal relationship with everyone else in my life, new or old; from age five to 99. My relationship being always smooth, for the most part. It was not the first time that I hit it off with someone much, much older than me, though — conversationally speaking.
I must admit that it wasn’t that way when I was a teen. But ever since my mom (and even I) started getting older, I have grown to feel a lot of respect and admiration for the elderly. (Between us, sometimes, I even tear up watching the less fortunate navigate their way around this hectic life of ours.) They probably didn’t accurately envision this when they were young.
It is satisfying for me to know that this gal (myself), a former elementary teacher, can sit for hours with kids and older people alike, and never run out of topics or fun ideas. And, can also have an amazing time with friends of her same age and younger without it ever seeming awkward or out of place. It always feels natural for me — and I love that.
When the train came, the lady and I sat on separate seats and, eventually, got out at different stops, and couldn’t exchange one more word. But if I ever see her again, I will not hesitate to ask if she wants to go out for tea, cocktails or wine because, carpe diem!
