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About this quote

What does it mean?
I hide my age, saying I’m twenty‑nine when things look pleasant, thirty when they don’t.
In plain terms
I adjust my claimed age to match my mood.
What can you take from it?
Age can be used as a shield for vulnerability.

Where it applies

  • social gatherings
  • online dating
  • professional networking

Putting it to work

  • be authentic about age
  • focus on confidence over numbers

Questions to consider

  • Why do you feel the need to disguise age?
  • How does age affect your self‑esteem?

Another view

It reinforces age‑related stereotypes.

More from Oscar Wilde

  1. Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes.

    Permalink to quote #117
  2. What a pity that in life we only get our lessons when they are of no use to us.

    Permalink to quote #119
  3. What is a cynic? A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.

    Permalink to quote #116

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