Early-life Crisis

Think I might be having an early life crisis of sorts. Lately, I’m feeling more and more out of place in my own life.

It seems I get offended more easily these days. Friday, a girl told me she thinks I dress like an old lady. I made a comment about how growing up I would shop with my mom (who is a teacher) and that probably affected my style and may explain why sometimes I dress like a teacher. And this girl said “Yeah…but you kinda dress like an old lady teacher. Because I know young people who are teachers who don’t dress like that.” And it totally bugged me.

a) I don’t think I dress like an old lady
b) If I do dress like an old lady, pointing it out like that is not helpful
c) That’s just kinda rude

Yesterday, we were talking about proper ways to address mail and this girl said she gets offended when people refer to her by her husband's name. She gets upset if the wedding invitation (or Christmas card or bank statement or…) is addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Flintstone; she would prefer to receive it addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Fred and Wilma Flintstone.

I’m all about a woman having her own identity, married or unmarried, but don’t take offense when someone uses proper etiquette. If I were getting married and sent her an invitation, it would be addressed properly, to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Flintstone. And she would be offended. And I would be upset that she was offended. But if I did it incorrectly, my grandmother would be offended and I’d rather not offend Grandmother.

Ever since my aunt's sickness and death, I am having a hard time with things. I mean, I'm back to work and "normal" life, but I get annoyed by the things that other people think are a big deal. Maybe they've never lost someone they love. Maybe they just dont get it. Maybe I'm having an early life crisis.

Happens to the best of us, right?