The Age of Realism

Cornell University did a study about how people look at themselves. Researcher Jeff Hancock - and wouldn't we all like to see his signature - got 80 single people together, 40 of each gender, and had them fill out forms detailing their height, weight, and age.

Then Hancock, who, one suspects, runs a website named "Ihavelikesooomuchsparetime.com", did a complete and objective assessment of each.

How many of the participants lied about something, you wonder? Oh, just 90% of them.

All of the women who lied about their weight claimed to be lighter than they are. Average : 6 lbs. Negligible.

Men who lied about their height exaggerated it upwards. Average: 1/3 of an inch. Sounds like a show-stopping tune from the musical "Why Bother?"

Both genders knocked off five months in age, if they chose to be inaccurate about it. "No, baby, I'm not 36! I'm 35 1/2!"

Well, what a surprise. People fibbing about vital stats. These were single people, remember, so let's say they are in the habit of putting their best face forward when asked, to make themselves more attractive. That's understandable.

Although, I have known people who got into a relationship based on a lie about age, and then as the relationship progressed, they had to figure out how to break it to their sigoth that they weren't really 25, or 17, or 39, or whatever they claimed to be.

What I don't understand is the reluctance to disclose one's age. I know several people who would sooner show you their private parts than tell you how old they are.

Either you look your age, and are therefore doing fine, or you look a lot older than you are, and therefore have a lot longer to be around than it would appear, or you look remarkably young for your years, and are therefore the object of admiration from many. It's got to be one of these three!

How old would you be if no one asked?