lied about my age

[muckylugs]

hi - i recently started a new job and during discussions with colleagues, we were talking about how old we were. I am 45 but I do look a lot younger so when i told a couple of people my age they thought i said 35...so now everyone thinks im 35 and i dont really want to put them right as its lovely being thought of as being younger...what do you think i should do?

[uptheanty]

You look 10 years younger.

Who cares, you can tell people what you like.

[muckylugs]

thanks...ive never been bothered about my age but it is flattering to be thought of as 10 years younger - im just slightly panicking now in case people find out the truth and think im strange for 'lying' x

[uptheanty]

Please...on the scale of lies, this one's allowed

[ChineseFireball]

I tell everyone I'm 24. I'm not. But I still do it. Meh. It's nobody's business how old I am.

[uptheanty]

If you get caught, front it out, throw your hair and don't apologise & then do it again!

[BikeRunSki]

If it is questioned, could you claim that your colleagues misheard?

[JeanSeberg]

Presumably you've given your real age on the paperwork?

[muckylugs]

yes, i could say they misheard because thats basically what happened....x

[muckylugs]

oh yes...all correct details on hr/personnel records etc

[ineedanexcuse]

Never refer to your age in their hearing. If they find out your real age and tackle you about it just laugh and say
" I wondered when you would realise "

Dont accept that you were lying deliberately.You weren't and its not your fault they misheard.

[JeanSeberg]

I'd just drop it in the conversation to set the record straight.

[DameFanny]

If challenged, look them straight in the eye and tell them you're really 23.

[muckylugs]

i feel really naughty but to be honest its actually really great and i would like to keep getting away with it....xx

[gamerchick]

As long as you haven't actually Said you're 35 then where's the harm?

[gamerchick]

But even then you can get away with it I think

[Patilla]

Oh that's hilarious. I wish I could get away with being mistaken for a whole decade younger.

Tbh I suspect that over time the issue will fade as who keeps discussing ages once you've got to know someone.

So go on OP what's your secret?!

please say chocolate and good wine

[muckylugs]

haha thanks patilla....i do like a good wine actually...think its just pure luck and genes as both my parents look at least 10 years younger than their actual age...oh, and going to plenty of gigs and festivals....x

[Patilla]

[ivykaty44]

Don't get hung up on age, it doesn't matter how many years you have benn around unless you are under eighteen or over sixty something

[Bowlersarm]

You are so lucky. I have a friend who is about to be 50. She looks like she shouldn't even be approaching her 30th birthday. Her 26 year old daughter looks much older than she does. It's not just me, everyone says it. Her dd is

[basia2]

I think if it bothers you, you could casually mention to them (one at a time) that you fibbed and don't feel right about it, and tell them the truth.
It will see less weird than having them find out some other way, and they'll respect your honesty. They'll know you are the kind of person who doesn't feel right about lying.
On the other hand, if they're never likely to find out the truth, I'd just let it go.

[BrianTheMole]

My mim lied about her age all her life. Even I thought she was 10 years younger than she was until a few years ago. Its no big deal, after I got over the initial surprise that is.

[KristinaM]

I'm amazed that this is an ethical dilemma. I lie about my age all the time. Well, I don't actually lie, I just never tell. It's on a need to know basis.

I would never tell colleagues , it's very rude to ask IMHO

[Beccadugs]

If they ever find out and confront you just front it out and say: who wouldn't agree they were ten years younger if that's what people thought!!