I have long been labouring under the misapprehension that I still look exactly the same as I did when I was 25. Mentally, I feel the same so obviously I must look the same, mustn't I? People tell me I don't look my age, and in my vanity, I believe them.In most recent photographs, I am wearing a riding hat. The peak cleverly casts a flattering shadow that erases wrinkles better than botox. In my ignorance, I have assumed that's what I look like all the time.
But this week, I have been unable to escape from the frightening truth. I have had three photographs taken because of my new job. Each of of them has made me think: "Oh my God, who is that wrinkly woman?" In one, I look in pain so I felt compelled to ask to have another one taken. In the replacement shot - which I am now stuck with - I have bags beneath my eyes you could carry your shopping home in.
I wonder if eye bag surgery is available on the NHS?
12 comments:
The real scary moment is when your mother looks back at you from the mirror. When that happens head for that plastic surgeon!
don't have anymore photos taken and take down any mirrors!
My work ID card photo was HORRIFIC - I'm surprised I was every allowed on the premises.
M&M, my husband told me my face looks lived in, but then so does out house and that's 100 years old, sigh
at least your relationship with the grey mare can only be strengthene by your hair going the same colour as her's dear...
who is that sad old slapper looking at me out of the window? I thought, until I realised it was my own reflection.
I'll be honest, here. Given the appalling design and shape of a riding hat, the fact that you say that wearing one improves your appearance makes me very worried for you. The only thing wearing one (on the few occasions I tried riding) did for me was be so tight that it pulled my forehead up a bit, temporarily reducing the lines on my forehead, but making me look as though I'd seen something unpleasant on the bridle way just in front of me.
My wrinkles improve as my eyesight deteriorates.
...and I got a phone call saying 'That was a bloody awful photo of you in the paper.'
Now you understand my whingeing....
Once you start feeling screwed up about the way you look is the day that your anxiety becomes apparent in your appearance. To stay young you've got to put all that shit aside. Walk tall. Every time has its season. If there are signs of ageing in the mirror then think of those signs as the evidence of a well-lived life. Pristine girls of twenty two are usually so utterly boring.
R and C, apparently I have the same mannerisms as my mum too ...
Good plan Ziggi ..
Mountainear, I think we're sharing something here ...
Rilly, that is one of the good things about being blonde - the grey doesn't show up so much ..
Gill ;)
OM, riding hats cast a shadow akin to candlelight, thus softening the lines ...
Mopsa, that's one way of looking at it ..
@themill, it was not a bloody awful pic at all. I thought you looked fab!
YP, you are a philosopher but boring as pristine 22-year-olds may be, I wouldn't mind swapping skins with one...
The passport photo is always a good one for deflating any misapprehensions you have. I just had mine done and it's so bad it's almost funny, so I sympathise!
Everyone knows I don't like to have my picture taken. And when I look in the mirror - I never see anyone I recognize. 'The Man' told me the other day that he sees my mom...at first I was appalled - then I thought of how wonderful she was -
Still - I look older than I think I am..
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