avatarBrandon Ellrich

Summary

The text humorously discusses the author's denial of aging, despite encountering common signs such as hair in the drain, blurry vision, creaking joints, and forgetfulness.

Abstract

In a lighthearted reflection, the author addresses the signs they believe are prematurely suggesting aging. They insist on their youthfulness, dismissing the hair found in the drain as not their own, attributing blurry phone screens to poor lighting rather than vision problems, and explaining away joint stiffness as a temporary phase. The author also grapples with forgetfulness, downplaying the significance of momentarily forgetting why they entered a room. Additionally, the author criticizes the popularity of TikTok, associating it with youth and a lack of substance, and expresses frustration with the proliferation of streaming services, reflecting a generational gap in media consumption. The piece concludes with a call to action for readers to engage with the content and support the author through Medium's membership program.

Opinions

  • The author is in denial about signs of aging, attributing them to temporary issues rather than accepting them as part of getting older.
  • They believe that needing glasses, having white hair, and experiencing joint stiffness are indicative of old age, which they are resistant to acknowledge as applicable to themselves.
  • The author has a negative view of TikTok, considering it a platform for attracting attention without substance, and aligns this view with an older generation's perspective.
  • There is a clear frustration with the cost and abundance of streaming services, suggesting a reluctance to subscribe to multiple platforms and a preference for simpler times with fewer options.
  • The author uses humor to cope with the changes they are experiencing, possibly to resonate with readers who share similar sentiments about aging and modern trends.

A Clump of Hair In My Drain

Are these signs of aging? I don’t think so

Photo by Jadon Kelly on Unsplash

First of all, no — I’m not going to tell you how old I am. Secondly, I am not getting old. Third…I can’t remember what the third thing was.

These are signs that, for some people, might indicate that they are advancing in years and going through changes that are inevitable. For me, they are just temporary.

Why isn’t the water going down the drain?

Oh! There’s hair in it… A lot of hair. That’s not my hair. Some of it’s white. Who’s been in my tub? Yes, it’s the same length as the others, but that’s not my hair. Old people have white hair. I’m not old.

It’s not my hair.

Why is my phone so blurry when I hold it close to my face? The lighting in here is terrible. Maybe I need LED bulbs. Maybe I should turn down the brightness on my phone screen. Why do I have to hold it so far away? My arm isn’t long enough. It’s not like I need glasses. I don’t need glasses. I’ve had perfect vision all of my life; why would I suddenly need glasses? Glasses are for old people. I’m not old.

I don’t need glasses.

Why is my knee creaking and popping? My legs seem stiff when I get up. Something must be wrong. This kind of stuff doesn’t just…happen. These sound like things that happen when people get old. I’m still young. I won’t go to the doctor, because it’s temporary. I probably need to exercise more. The only thing is, I get tired more easily and I can’t run for as long as I used to. Oh well, exercise is boring anyway.

It’s just a phase; it’ll go away.

Why did I come into this room? I know I came in here to get something. What was it? I’m looking around the room. I don’t see anything on the bookshelf that I would need. Boxes, tubs, desk… What was it? Damn. Maybe if I go back to the living room I’ll remember. It’s just a few yards away. How can I not remember why I came in here?!

I’m just distracted.

Why are these TikTokkers getting so many views and followers? They don’t even DO anything. Sure, they’re young, fit, and attractive, but all they’re doing is lip-syncing while they’re dancing. How are they making so much money? It’s pointless! TikTok is not for young people; it’s for stupid people. That’s something my dad would say. He’s usually wrong, but maybe this time he’s not so far off-base.

TikTok…pshhh!

Why’s it so cold in here, Uncle Brandon?” Are you paying the electric bill? I didn’t think so. Put on a jacket. And by the way, I can tell you what’s in the fridge. You don’t have to stand there with the door open, searching for something. Oh, you wanna watch something on Disney+? I don’t have Disney f***ing Plus! Paramount+, Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube TV, AppleTV — You think I’m gonna pay for all those different streaming services? That’s how they getcha! “Who’s ‘they’?” Oh, be quiet and turn on the news.

Do they think I’ve got money like Elon Musk?

Kids today.

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Bouncin And Behavin Blogs
Humor
Aging
Brandon Ellrich
Satire
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