Everyone’s getting older, and there’s nothing you can do about it. If you’re lucky, you’ll live to a ripe old age and experience all of aging’s milestones. Getting your AARP card. Having your driver’s licenses taken away. Actually wanting to watch The History Channel. (Shudder.)
But there’s one age-related milestone that you’ll hit way before you reach your golden years: that first moment you realize that you’re old.
Everyone has this moment, but everyone’s moment is different. It usually happens somewhere in your 20’s or 30’s. You’re nowhere near “old” yet, but you’re not as young as you once were. Maybe your body doesn’t work quite the way it’s supposed to any more. Or maybe something you always thought was lame suddenly seems cool. Or maybe you simply realize that there are people in the world who are younger than you! The nerve!
Recently, Reddit user u/FuzzyCSFC9 posted a question to r/AskReddit, asking people to share their own “I’m Old” moments. Here are 15 of the best answers. You’ve probably had a moment similar to one of these. And if you haven’t, you’re probably a youngster. But don’t worry, kiddo: it’ll be your turn soon enough.
1. Your definition of “old” changes.
“When I realized that I have clear memories of moments I spent with my parents when they were younger than I am now. I remember how ‘adult’ I perceived them and I don’t feel like I am ‘adult’ at all.” – Denarrahman
2. Your perception of time itself changes, too.
“Whenever I hear that something happened 20 years ago, my first thought is ‘Ah, so like in the ’70s.'” UpstairsSpinach
3. These are your toys now. Have fun!
“When I got really excited about buying a new vacuum but, in my defense, that vacuum is dope!” – twobonersmcgee
4. Suddenly, you’re the old timer.
“When my co-worker told me he was born in 2001 (I’m 28 BTW).” – 401PM
5. When pop culture becomes a mystery.
“I realized I can’t name ANY actor on a recent show and I don’t know who most people on TV are.” – Large_MargeSentMe
6. Kids today just don’t get what Super Mario’s all about.
“When a group of teens told me their first console was the Wii…my first console was an NES.” – SteriodSandwich
7. Might as well start drinking Metamucil.
“When I started grunting every time I had to bend over and pick something up.” – Lutisse
8. You have a bedtime again.
“When a friend told me the party started at 10 p.m. and I literally said ‘UGH’ and stayed home instead.” – iwassayingboourns2
9. When your favorite drug is “saving money.”
“I started to get excited about coupons I got in the mail.” – justwannaberich
10. Please, my Mom is “Ma’am.”
“When a teenager called me ‘Ma’am’ for the first time. I realized I’m a ‘Ma’am’ now and not a ‘Miss’ anymore. Sigh.” – maddomesticscientist
11. Have a cookie, gain 20 lbs.
“When I started having to watch every single thing I eat meticulously.” – Ianmiller0622
12. When your body tries to slow you down.
“Whenever I wake up in the morning after drinking heavily the night before.” – NotFalse_OR_True
13. When you become that which you used to make fun of.
“When I started vocally complaining about the volume of the music in bars and restaurants.” – AnonElephant3
14. Your inner child is crying.
“When I realized I couldn’t finish my ice cream because it was too sweet.” – LormArtWerx
15. When you can measure time by using Dwayne Johnson’s career.
“When I was watching old WWE stuff online and my daughter said, ‘Wait, The Rock was a wrestler?!'” – tdabc123
h/t: Buzzfeed