One of my teammates, D, whom I’ve gotten to know better this year, calls me an ‘old bird’. She said she never knew what an ‘old bird’ I was until recently – actually just a few days ago – when she found out how old I actually was. She had thought I was the same age as she was, i.e. three years ago older, because I seemed so ‘old’.
I think I’ve always been a little more mature for my age. When people my age frequent bars and clubs, I’ve disliked them from the very beginning, preferring quiet, sitdown dinners and gatherings with friends than downing beer in noisy, crowded clubs. I can count the number of times I’ve been to Zouk (THE club in Singapore) on both hands.
I’m a prude. I’m old-fashioned in some ways.
I dislike noise. I dislike people who act cute and squeal and have over-the-top reactions. It irritates me. I don’t tolerate nonsense or bullshit. I hate it when people are wishwashy or flaky; like just make up your mind and get on with it already.
I’m also quiet in front of strangers. By all accounts and purposes, I could, and probably do, come across as an extremely boring person. My circle of good friends encompass only those whom I’ve gone to school or paddled with.
In other words, “Reclusive Old Bird” might be a more apt description of me.