Grumpy old person.
It’s a stereotype that makes us uncomfortable for two reasons: it’s both ageist and occasionally true.
Everyone is grumpy sometimes. The problem is when grumpiness becomes a habit that we nurture as part of our identity. We all know older adults who excuse their rude comments by saying, “I’m (fill in the blank) old, I can say what I want.” I’d put the grumpiness into the same category; a convenient excuse for poor behavior.
I came across a column titled “9 Habits You Can Cultivate to Prevent Turning Into a Grumpy Old Woman” from Sixty and Me that was both thought provoking and poorly titled.
I’ve met plenty of grumpy old me, too. That aside, the checklist made me stop and consider just how much grumpiness I’m willing to hold onto, and what that looks like to other, younger people I encounter.
Are you grumpy? Read the article and see how you rate on the grump guide.
