AS I age I realize that 35 is pretty much the newborn of adulthood. I base this off of my own experience. My own failures. My own ability to recognize a situation for what it is.

I’ll relate this to Sigforum specifically, I’ve had the privilege to meet several members.

First and foremost, RhinoWSO, older than me, more traveled, always held my respect and admiration personally and professionally. Regardless of our shared profession I feel a mutual respect towards him in general.

HeavyD, while younger very driven and focused and I would vouch for without even hearing particulars.

Sigmonkey, met once and for whatever reason between the meetings and his posts just makes me wish I could grow up to be half as successful and wise.

I met all these men before I was 30 and now at nearly 40 wish I could have a do over to fully appreciate the moment. I’ve met many men older than me during my life, especially in my previous career and maybe 1 of them I would look up to! So what is it about people that makes them stick out?

What age do you feel people truly become adults...it may not be a specific age but a sliding scale.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: OttoSig,

At the moment you start to respect wisdom and strive to have it...

Your questions and observations noted are the answer to your question.

When a high school song is played regularly on the oldies channel.

I'm nearly 70, but I'll let you know when it happens.

I know that answer sounds flippant, but in my case, it's the truth. I still enjoy what most consider childish pursuits and make short-sighted decisions because it's what I want to do, not what I should do.

I became older one day when a girl asked about music that I liked. When I said "Heart," she said "Who?" When I said "Peter, Paul, and Mary," I got a blank look.

When my kids asked "did they have wheels when you were growing up?" I figured I'd crossed that invisible line.

I doubt there is a magic age when people step into adulthood. I think it depends on what life throws at them. Even then they may just duck.

"You know that you,re over the hill when your mind makes a promise your body can't fill"

I work at a university. I joke that 90% of the woman I've met in the last 28 years have been between 18-25 years old, which really skews your reality.

This week is move in week. With all these beautiful young girls running around, I find myself checking out their mothers more. Oh god, when did this happen!!! Older I have become.

You officially become older when (if you are male) you go to your father and apologize for not learning from his example.

I did that at 28, when I went back to finish my Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, an educational choice he recommended (he got his Master’s degree in sanitary engineering at UNC Chapel Hill in 1957) and I rejected.

When I told him he was right to recommend that life course, he replied “I bet that hurt to say.”

For all his faults, which were many and extreme in some cases, thanks Father. You were right.

When you start to realize that alot of "life" has gone by. And you start to wonder what happens after I die. And if you're wise you strive to learn more about what the Bible says and a man called Jesus.

 
When it hurts to get out of bed.

When your favorite songs are now piped into the elevator as music as you go the Dr office to figure out why the hell are you peeing every 30 minutes.

At the age you take full responsibility for your actions and strive to stand on you own two feet.

quote:

Originally posted by Sig2340:
You officially become older when (if you are male) you go to your father and apologize for not learning from his example.

I did that at 28, when I went back to finish my Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, an educational choice he recommended (he got his Master’s degree in sanitary engineering at UNC Chapel Hill in 1957) and I rejected.

When I told him he was right to recommend that life course, he replied “I bet that hurt to say.”

For all his faults, which were many and extreme in some cases, thanks Father. You were right.

My feeling as well. When I was 29 I told my dad that he was right way more often than he was wrong when he tried to guide me along the path. I imagine he enjoyed hearing that.

About the 9th 3am diaper change, feeding, and spit-up washdown...

Boss

quote:

Originally posted by low8option:
At the age you take full responsibility for your actions and strive to stand on you own two feet.

This, plus when you gain wisdom.
Lots of people have experience, knowledge and a high IQ but lack the wisdom to put all that to good effect and make good decisions.
Age by itself, isn't an indicator of adulthood except how you are treated by the legal system.

A few years ago before Glenn Campbell died he put out a new album (his last). There was a song on it I really liked. I hadn't purchased a CD in probably 20 years. So I went to a store that sold CDs, and asked the clerk where I might find the new Glenn Campbell CD. He said, Glenn Campbell? Who is that? Right then I knew I was old and from a different era.

You're older the moment you realize that unless you are going to set a world record for the oldest person alive, you've lived more than half your life.

quote:

Originally posted by Sig2340:
You officially become older when (if you are male) you go to your father and apologize for not learning from his example.

Mine bounced me off walls, beat the shit out of me and threw me through a plate glass window. I watched him beat my mother, until we left one day, to go live in an unheated, mouse-infested abandoned building. "Learned from his example" would be manifest in my not having killed him.

By that standard, I may never age, if it requires thanking him for his example.

When your wife asks what you have planned for tomorrow & your answer is, "Wake up."