Sunscreen Surprise

plus, the facial hair follies

Welcome readers, old and new!

Please hit the ❤️ above to watch intrepid travelers learn what it feels like to go to high school in Japan.

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Last week while checking out at the grocery store, one of the helpers approached me.

“Are you a senior?” she asked.

“How did you know?” I wanted to say (but didn’t). She gave me a discount, which I accepted. And I discovered that while I’m happy to offer the fact that I’m over 65 in order to take advantage of a discount, I don’t like it when that discount is presumed.

In this store, the moment I step through the door all I can think about is getting out; it’s a popular but poorly maintained food playground—large and chaotic, rank in the corners, lousy with people wandering confusedly here and there. I avoided picking up a grubby basket, but as I rushed around, finding more things to buy than I thought I’d needed, I ended up in the check-out line with a pile of cans, loose vegetables, and plastic containers tucked under both arms and my chin: textbook example of a disorganized older person.

Now that I think about it, “Are you a senior?” was an appropriate question.

Occasionally, if I see someone my age or older stopped mid-sidewalk, I’ll ask “You good?” as I pass. I’m aware they might only be catching their breath or having a moment to think (about—if they’re like me—where they’re supposed to be going). I don’t want them to feel that I’m condescending, but I also don’t want to avoid offering help if it’s needed. I hope evidence that there’s shared concern for our well-being makes venturing out onto our often unfriendly streets more comfortable.

I guess that’s the point of a senior discount, too. Maybe I’m struggling with walking the fine line between being seen as vulnerable and still maintaining my independence. It feels like a life lesson we all learn as we climb the steep, rocky track to Nowhere (as the late, great Jan Morris put it).

Does any of this ring true for you?

Speaking of ringing true, have you seen photos of Kris Jenner after her most recent facial renovation? They’re extraordinary, but there’s something about them—something so far unmentioned—very much worth noting. You can read what I noted in my post for Allure.

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This week, a couple of readers celebrate cosmetic successes—which you might also find worth a try.

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