I get people asking me this on occasion. A lot of times, I just assume it means that they are either (1) older than they look or (2) younger than they look. I usually round down when I guess their age. Though, maybe I should round up. After all, wisdom is often associated with age. Nah, most people don't think like that, do they? ; )
2007-03-30 15:01:06 · 18 answers · asked by I'm Still Here 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I refuse to play. I'm terrible at judging someone's age, and because I consider the whole 'guess my age' a silly thing -fine for those who like it but definitely not something that should be mandatory- I don't really care to learn either. If they insist, I insist too. People may think me a bit of a spoil-sport but so be it, too much chance to insult someone with this game, either you're saying too young or too old!
2007-03-31 23:38:03 · answer #1 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always err on the side of caution and round down if they are an old person and if they are obvious very young-looking, then I will add just enough years to their age to not insult them if they actually are that age, but enough to flatter them if they want to appear older. People who ask such questions about how old they appear to look usually enjoy feeling complimented, so I try to oblige. Then, when an old person tells me they are actually a great deal older than I thought they were, I exclaim in shock that I would never have guessed that. The truth is though, that generally, when old people ask me such a question, they really DO look much younger than their actual age, so I am not merely flattering them - I'm telling them the truth.
2007-03-30 22:06:42 · answer #2 · answered by Chimichanga to go please!! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Round down! Always round down! Although I've done this a few times and still got the age too old! Oh with kids, round up! They love being told they look older. Years ago when I used to babysit I told the 4 year old boy he looked 5. He was happy for the rest of the day!
2007-03-30 22:06:57 · answer #3 · answered by starla_o0 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Always guess at least 5 yrs. younger than you think they are. I have seen people that I swear were 40 but were 20-something No kidding. Just say they look great!
2007-03-30 23:19:48 · answer #4 · answered by Lake Lover 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can usually tell after a while and kinda give an estimated guess - if one is young they like to look older....if one is older they like to look younger.
when some-one looks about 28 I give them a 24...hehe....when someone looks about 18 I give them a 22.
Bu usually I avoid giving a number and kinda smooth the question out into them just telling me.
2007-03-30 22:30:51 · answer #5 · answered by rainbow joy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They're fishing for compliments if they're asking that question. If you want them to feel good, then answer in the age direction they want to hear. If you want them to stop acting so silly, add 10 years to the age you think they really are, and they won't ask you again.
2007-03-30 22:27:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I answer them honestly. I've offended some and I've complimented some and I've been right on the money with most...it's just a number :).
2007-03-30 22:08:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Always tell them a number alot younger than they look if they have authority, if not, who gives a crap
2007-03-30 22:05:56 · answer #8 · answered by I P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most people are superficial and would like you to think they are younger than they really are. If you think they are 50, say they are 40. That should please them.
2007-03-31 11:49:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
People are searching for a compliment. I just tell them how old i really think they are.
2007-03-30 22:05:39 · answer #10 · answered by Carol D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋