The Myth of "Age-Appropriate"

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I don't know how to act my age. I've never been this age before.

What is this bullshit about "age-appropriate"? Who defined the standard for a given age? Who gave them that right? 

We're bombarded by media and messages online, offline, at work, at play, about what age appropriate is. 

Your clothing. Your behavior. Your haircut. Your attitude. Your language.

Everything seems to have a 'standard'. And these standards are meant to reinforce who you are and the supposed maturity you should have achieved at your age.

Only problem is - there is no standard. 

I'm different. So are you. So is your brother, and your sister. Your husband and your wife.

We all have our own personalities, our own interests and peculiarities. And we shouldn't be ashamed of it.

Quite the opposite. Be proud of your uniqueness. Show it off. Or don't.

The thing is, it's your choice. Not some obnoxious talking head on the media.

So if you're 60, and you want to get a tattoo? Get it.

Want to go shop at a store 'targeted' at Millennials? Go for it. 

Want to decorate your office cubicle with Star Wars characters because you believe the Jedi are a religion worth following? Be my guest.

No, scratch that. Be your guest.

Because this is about you. Not anyone else. 

Screw "age-appropriate".

Just be yourself, whatever you want that to be.