LIFE UNDER THE STAIRS

By Jane Stevenson

Trolls And Trolling

I was recently accused of trolling. To me, Trolls are ugly little dolls with coloured hair and were very popular some years ago.

To be called one was interesting to say the least. I wasn’t familiar with the term so looked it up. Apparently I am ‘someone who leaves intentionally provocative or offensive messages on the internet in order to get attention, cause trouble or upset someone.’

The back story to this is simple. I had joined a national Vintage TV and Film Facebook group – I enjoy many older TV series and the interaction with other fans. However, it appears you can’t actually dislike anything on this site. Everything has to be admired, promoted as the best of its genre – you get the idea. My crime, for which I received a huge amount of nasty comments, threats and bullying, was to say I have never found ‘Only Fools and Horses’ funny.

It’s a personal thing. I don’t expect everyone to share my opinion and I know I’m in a minority. However, it is my right to say so without fear of reprisals. I don’t expect everyone to enjoy my choice of tv programme, book, film or song. That is their right.

I left the group – I don’t need them. They do need a reality check on respect!

The Significant Birthdays

Age is creeping up on me. I’ve just had one of those significant birthdays; it ended in a 0.

I was aware it was coming but kept thinking I can’t possibly be that old. It got nearer; I noticed my knees ached more. A month away I was certain I needed a zimmer frame at the very least!

I became rather grumpy (grumpier, according to Other Half). ‘People just mutter nowadays’, I moaned crossly. ‘Put your hearing aid in’, came back the reply.

Out for a drive recently, Other Half pointed out a care home – just in case! I considered divorce! At my slimming club, I booked a day’s holiday – I would miss a meeting due to meeting family. ‘Enjoy your birthday’, said the social team. I whispered (in an old lady voice) how old I was. They laughed. ‘That’s not old’, said one, and added that wonderful phrase ‘…you don’t look it at all’. I could have kissed her.

I woke up on my birthday starting my seventh decade. Nothing had changed. The knees still ached, but then they have for years. My hearing is still shot to pieces – far too much Deep Purple as a young lady, I still have pink hair and a collection of totally unsuitable ankle boots. I have bought some dungarees.

My age didn’t seem to affect anyone else. Friends still talked to me. Nobody treated me any different than they had weeks before. Life went on.

It was a wake-up call. The only person remotely concerned with aging was me. I realised I could continue to act old and past it, or just get on with things and carry on. Being lazy, that solution offered the least work so here I am, seventy years old, contemplating surfing lessons and horse-riding, whether to go mauve for my next hair colour and telling myself I really don’t need a rather gorgeous pair of navy blue Timberland boots, because the warmer weather is on its way, and I can go into flipflops.

Age is a number. You can feel old at any time. By accepting we all grow older it doesn’t mean we become needy or vulnerable. Changes have to be made for sure, but it’s the mental outlook that counts.

I’m going to continue to listen, read and view what I like. If I want to try a new activity or hobby I will. I am my own responsibility, and I plan to grow old disgracefully.

Happy 2023 birthdays to all

Take care All

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