Thursday, July 24, 2008

And Get Off My Lawn!

Yesterday I dragged myself went to Pilates at my gym. I was a few minutes late and as I settled into the routine, I noticed something was different.

The class is normally a mix of 30-to-40-something women and some senior citizens (many of whom can put me to shame with their flexibility). Yesterday there was an addition: about six or seven students (high school or early college), at least half of them guys.

Now, I don't have anything against men in the Pilates class. Some of the seniors are men, and occasionally we get a guy around my age. But these guys were disruptive. The girls with them were a little better, but since the guys were trying to get a reaction from the girls, there was a lot of giggling. Giggling, and loud groans, and complaining about how HARD the exercises were (c'mon, dude, man up!) and dropping weights, and whispered asides that made the others COMPLETELY lose it, and so on. The teacher was practically shouting to be heard over the Enya CD. And I was all, This is NOT COOL. LET ME LOSE MYSELF IN ENYA AND THE PAIN IN MY CORE MUSCLES. I go there to focus on exercising, not to listen to all this dang noise.

While I was grumbling in my head, I suddenly thought, as I often do these days, How did I get so old?

Because I was about one step away from shaking my cane at them and threatening to call their parents.

They still have the arrogance of youth, which makes them think they are the most interesting people in the room, so it doesn't matter if they disturb others. I suppose it may not entirely be an age thing, since there are middle-aged people who talk loudly in movies or on cell phones where all are forced to hear about their colonoscopy or whatever, but I definitely think it is a maturity thing. There are times when you should not share with the whole class, and they haven't figured that out yet. You don't have to be the center of attention at all times, whether you are by yourself or in the coolest group of friends ever.

Consideration of others: try it sometime, kids. Especially if you plan to come back to my class next week. If you don't, you may get beaten to death with a cane. Or smothered with a yoga mat. Don't say I didn't warn you.

18 comments:

  1. The other night we had dinner with a friend (about 22, I think), and after we left I told my husband, "He's a good kid."

    Ha. A good kid. I'm all of 30 myself. :-P

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  2. I saw them go in yesterday and told a girl in line. They are definitely not going to cut it in that Pilates class. Girl if they come back, I would definitely complain to the front desk. Its not about being old, its about respecting others. I know that you and I were certainly not taught to disrupt a class, especially when its supposed to be something you need to focus on. Honestly, some people are just more mature than others (no matter the age). I'm sure you and I know some 20, 30, 40 something clowns. LOL!

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  3. I don't consider that an age thing, I consider it a manners thing.

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  4. It may not be entirely and age thing but I think there is an age element to it. Like you say it's about learning that you don't have to be the center of attention at all times and a lot of other stuff that only comes (for some of us) with time.
    I'm also right there with you in wondering how I got so old. I remember as a teenager I was determined that I was going to remember what it was like to be a teen and therefore be a very cool adult. Well, I remember what it was like to be a self centered, irresponsible, idiotic teen and I'm here to tell you that does not make me a cool adult.

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  5. Bad manners really chaps my hide... At my ripe old age (all whopping 35 years of me), I have no problem telling people what I think. If they're rude, they know it - whether it be a look, a stare, or a comment (not so under my breath). But if they're well behaved... they hear it too - with a big smile and definitely a comment.

    I believe it all starts with the youngsters!

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  6. I hear ya! Funny though, I'm usually the one with the cane but the other night I got ssshhed. I mean, me? What's up with that?

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  7. Manners I've come to realise that it doesn't come with age nor with teaching, it's actually what you are...even after much teaching 'the right way' some people just can't get it!

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  8. That kind of behavior aggravates me too. You said it perfectly: the arrogance of youth. And while I agree that certainly not all teenagers are that way, I think you are much more likely to encounter this kind of irritating behavior with that age group.

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  9. Go get 'em, girl!! I don't like silly people in my exercise classes either. I think it's rude...especially during yoga!

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  10. Oooo, that's so annoying! I'm sure a jury would let you off the hook since we all hate that kind of behavior -- so go ahead and mete out judgment!

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  11. My girls get so annoyed with my manners lessons but I WILL NOT have children that act like that...

    You should have head butted them.

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  12. I loved every word of this post. Consideration. I agree. More people should try it!

    I appreciate you taking the time to visit my blog when I was featured on SITS. I look forward to many more visits. Off to read more.

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  13. This is so good.. and so true. We have about 100 twenty-somethings on staff at pmac and most are super polite and very respectful.

    But, we interview over 200 to fill the 30 spots we have for new staff... they are hard to find.

    Shake your cane sister.

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  14. Oh hell haven't you heard the old saw about youth being wasted on the young? I remember when I thought that was funny not a point of view...you have an award over at my place, come by and get it...it's at the post before the Brenda Photo Challenge, but I'm slow these days about notifying anyone of anything...and I have the cane to prove it...
    Sandi

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  15. You're right. It has a lot more to do with maturity than age. I've met people my age (oldernyou) who are twice as obnoxious as any twenty-year-old.

    ~*

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  16. I REMEMBER having loud obnoxious conversations that I was sure were just FASCINATING to other people. Ick.

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  17. Please drop by soon and join our effort to get Uncle Lynn and Pop'rs on Oprah! We're doing an e-mail campaign as part of our Great Pop'rs Giveaway, and you can help! Uncle Lynn and Pop'rs on Oprah? I have my fingers crossed...

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  18. How annoying. Definitely ruins the atmosphere.

    Thanks for the nice comment you left. I definitely think FL has great tips that I hope to pick up. The digest is definitely the way to go. It's been much less overwhelming!

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