Quote Originally Posted by Crankin View Post
StaceySue, I think your DH has a lot of nerve saying that to you! He thinks it's OK to have a double standard? I think it is definitely *his* perception/problem, because my DH and most of my male friends are of that generation and do not think like that.
I choose not to be gray, but my DH would never say anything if I did. He is a couple of years younger and has been gray for a long time. In fact, last night he caught a glimpse of himelf in the mirror and said, "I am completely bald on the back of my head!" He was seriously distressed over this, but I could care less.
I may want to look a certain way, but it's for me, not someone else.

Yeah he DOES have some nerve, considering the fact that he's 18 years older than me and barely even looks in a mirror. He's naturally good-looking and does look younger than he is but still, the age difference is very noticeable because I look younger than I am. If I grow my gray streaks out people will stop looking at us and trying to figure us out.

Besides - it's time for me to sit at the grownup table. It makes me happy to look at people my age and their achievements and think "Wow - those are my classmates. I'm finally an adult." I don't like it at all when people think I'm younger than I am and treat me as if I don't have any credibility. I have been through a lot in my life, and I've achieved a lot, and I've earned every single gray hair.

DH has to have a hip replacement. He has congenital hip displasia and had reconstructive surgery when he was in his 30s. It's worn out and he needs a complete replacement. I'd like to have a few grays showing to help minimize the funny looks we'll get in the hospital.

Maybe it's not all guys in his age group - just blue collar guys in that age group? I don't know, but a lot of men his age in this community do have the chauvenistic attitude. I'm glad your husband and male friends don't - it's encouraging to hear that.