Does age matter?

Written on January 25, 2010 by
6 Comments

When I’m interviewing someone for this blog, I don’t typically ask her age. Most of the time, I think it’s not difficult to figure out approximately how old a person is now or how old she was when she got divorced. Perhaps my reticence to ask the question goes back to my upbringing – I can hear my mother telling me it’s rude to ask a person’s age.

Anyway, I was chatting to a reader recently who is also a writer and editor. She said she thought saying how old a person was at the time of her divorce, added depth to the story. For example, the story of a woman divorcing after a year of marriage is very different for a 20-year-old than a 60-year-old.

What do you think?

[poll id="2"]




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6 Comments - Leave a comment!
  • http://intensedebate.com/people/nancy_c8303 nancycompton

    Thanks for asking for feedback. I recently attended the Fisher Rebuilding seminar here in Boulder, CO. The group of 30+ adults included men and women from the early 20s to 60. Age and length of marriage seemed to add so much to the person's view and their experience.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/SinceMyDivorce SinceMyDivorce

    Hi Nancy – thank you for your input. I'm really glad I asked the question. Was the Fisher Rebuilding helpful? I hear good things about that program.

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/nancy_c8303 nancycompton

    Hi Mandy – I believe Rebuilders was life changing for many in the group. Absolutely was for me. In the Boulder area we have a strong social meetup group following graduation and follow on courses for those that are interested. For those that have lost connection with much of their friends or family due to divorce it can provide a place to be on major holidays and supportive friends that understand what one is going through. In the Boulder area Norm Gibson leads an awesome group. Of course, Fisher Rebuilding is offered all over the world.

  • Cathy

    In general, I agree that age doesn't matter; the exception would be where the age is significant & changes the story. i.e. in your example of a 60 year old being married the first time for a year would be a time where age is important to understand her story.

  • http://christineshomeplace.blogspot.com/ Christine

    Hello I found your blog through the blogfrog. I really enjoyed reading your post, very interesting. I'm married for the second time, we have been together for 20 years, Im over 40. The first marriage I was young and it was a short one. I can say I think age is an important fact to mention.

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/SinceMyDivorce SinceMyDivorce

      Hi Christine – the response I've had to the poll is overwhelmingly that age is important so I'll be including that going forward. Thanks for visiting – I'm enjoying Blogfrog more and more.