Rudeness to middle aged women - is this a thing?

[OnToTheNextOneOntoTheNextOne]

I'm 42, but probably look a bit older as it's been a hard few years and I can no longer be bothered confirming with femininity by wearing makeup etc.

It feels like I am encountering so much rudeness lately from strangers. Part of it might be that I am no longer tolerant of the rudeness of others and question it when it occurs.

Is this a thing? Or are people just ruder in general, regardless of age and sex?

I’ve noticed that people don’t see me anymore. If I don’t move for them, they walk straight into me. It’s extraordinary.

I don’t move any more and I brace for
impact. I’m 46.

Read the book 'Hags'. It's all about that.

I have to say I've noticed the same thing in the service industry- less in my work life. Younger people especially will treat me with real contempt particularly when it comes to anything online / digital. They are impatient and assume that I'm stupid. They also dislike it if you don't follow "the rules" - ie around self service tills - and are quick to tell you off!

I’m approaching your age and although I haven’t noticed more rudeness, people have started calling me ‘love’ 🤮 (didn’t before) which is irritating

Sorry, not really the point of the thread 🙈

I don’t think that the propensity to call everyone a “Karen” is helping. However I am 6ft 1 and not exactly willowy. I do not get ignored.

I just think your bullshit radar gets more attuned as you get older.

Hags is great.
That said I haven’t noticed much more rudeness to my face as I aged but I never bothered with femininity much when I was younger and am not particularly pretty- I believe it is one of those things that is noticed more by women who were more attractive when they were younger.

I've noticed more rudeness from men (probably because i'm not considered "fuckable" anymore) and yes, oddly enough, young women.

I’m 46 and haven’t noticed this at all 🤷🏼‍♀️

The karen thing is just straight up ageist misogyny – what a coincidence that there’s a special insult for women beyond (typical) reproductive age who stand up for themselves. Pure hatred of women.

If Mumsnet is in any way representative, people are AWFUL to older women. It hasn't really been my experience- but it could be that I am utterly oblivious!

I’m 41 and haven’t noticed this, at least not yet. I have noticed a difference since losing weight though, I did get ignored when I was overweight (only last year so no massive age difference) but since losing about 2.5 stones it’s as though I’m visible again 🙄

I haven't really noticed any change in how I'm treated and I think I look pretty clearly middle aged now. I do probably have less tolerance for BS though!

Tbh I think people nowadays are just Ruder in general towards everyone. Can't experience same as you as I'm 36 but I do just think there's no respect for people anymore

I'm in my 40's and didn't realise it was considered old! I think there's a propensity to get stuck in your ways and have a negative outlook and that only attracts further negativity.

It also happens if you're overweight, at any age. I've been both slim and heavy at times throughout my life. It isn't that slim brings respect, but being overweight certainly brings judgement and superior sneers from others.

We're talking about middle age which 40's is. People are usually quite nice to little old ladies. And pretty young ladies. It's the bit in-between I hate.

Yes, I agree with this.

I have seen so much rudeness and insults on MN , really ageist comments .

Are you all looking for this? I’m 46 and haven’t been treated any differently than when I was in my 20s. I’m sure I’m about to start a feminist attack of some sort but I swear most of you are looking for reasons to feel offended.

Nice way to belittle the experiences of others. You are a sample of one & don’t get to tell others they’re wrong.

It's not helped by walking and looking into a phone (and no top of the head eyes evolved yet!).

I was walking down a pedestrian area of my favourite small market town last week, and a group were spread across the entire cobbled street. There was no way for me to go round them so I stopped, and two of them literally crashed into me.

I'm robust and could stand it, but what if it had been someone more frail?

Have just downloaded this. Thanks for the recommendation

I enjoyed Hags too.

I've noticed people who work in shops being quite rude lately, I thought it was something I was doing wrong, the way my face rests perhaps. I'm not sure if it's my age or people in general but definitely feeling a shift.