So far, I am aging naturally. By that I mean, no injections, no facelifts, etc. And I can't afford them, so it's likely this is how I'll stay.
But I am now dealing with physical threats and harassment due to my age and the fact that I do, indeed, look old. (I'm in my 60s.) In one case, at the gas station, a man who was significantly bigger than I was followed me in and sort of stood over me, telling me I'd better watch out and that he'd make me pay. (Being old & white automatically means you voted for Trump. Being lesbian and having been young in NYC means I definitely did not, but there's no way to explain that when someone wants to kill you or at the least beat you up.)
I wonder if I got botox or a lift if it would make me look like I was in my 50s instead of my 60s and these people (it happens frequently) would leave me alone. So yup, bullying.
FWIW, I don't care much if I look old. I'm fine with it. But I'd like not to get beaten up or killed, if at all possible.
I can definitely see the motivation to avoid age discrimination and exploitation through a cosmetic procedure or two. Thank you for introducing a new insight to me, I truly appreciate your comment.
This take resonates me. I got Botox for the first time in 2023 because I was sick of looking in the mirror and seeing the trauma of 2020-2022 carved in worry lines on my forehead. I was getting married (for the first time at 37 years old) and wanted to focus on the future, and it was a small way I felt like I could reclaim some of the youth that had been taken from me by circumstances and people outside my control. Someday I'll wean off; I have nothing against beautiful aging. But it was a big step in healing for me.
So far, I am aging naturally. By that I mean, no injections, no facelifts, etc. And I can't afford them, so it's likely this is how I'll stay.
But I am now dealing with physical threats and harassment due to my age and the fact that I do, indeed, look old. (I'm in my 60s.) In one case, at the gas station, a man who was significantly bigger than I was followed me in and sort of stood over me, telling me I'd better watch out and that he'd make me pay. (Being old & white automatically means you voted for Trump. Being lesbian and having been young in NYC means I definitely did not, but there's no way to explain that when someone wants to kill you or at the least beat you up.)
I wonder if I got botox or a lift if it would make me look like I was in my 50s instead of my 60s and these people (it happens frequently) would leave me alone. So yup, bullying.
FWIW, I don't care much if I look old. I'm fine with it. But I'd like not to get beaten up or killed, if at all possible.
I can definitely see the motivation to avoid age discrimination and exploitation through a cosmetic procedure or two. Thank you for introducing a new insight to me, I truly appreciate your comment.
it’s not what I expected from age, but I also didn’t expect the last 10 years so I’m basically walking around shocked all the time.
This take resonates me. I got Botox for the first time in 2023 because I was sick of looking in the mirror and seeing the trauma of 2020-2022 carved in worry lines on my forehead. I was getting married (for the first time at 37 years old) and wanted to focus on the future, and it was a small way I felt like I could reclaim some of the youth that had been taken from me by circumstances and people outside my control. Someday I'll wean off; I have nothing against beautiful aging. But it was a big step in healing for me.
Congratulations on your marriage and stepping forward into a new future! I’m happy to know the choice has led to healing. 💕
You’ve always had a beautiful smile!
My friend has had Botox injections for her migraines for years now…….hugs to you both.