Should there be limits on who can wear a swimsuit? Most would say: “Absolutely not!” — except for my daughter-in-law, Janice, who seemed to think otherwise.
After a rejuvenating trip to Miami Beach with my husband Donald, I felt vibrant and loved. One day, I wore a black bikini, and Donald couldn’t stop showering me with compliments. A little girl even captured our sweet moment in a photo, which I later shared on Facebook.
That’s when the hurtful comment came from Janice:
“Seriously? How can she even think of showing off that creased-up body in a swimsuit?! She looks disgusting!”
Instead of brushing it off, I made a plan. I invited the whole family over for a barbecue. When Janice arrived, I took the opportunity to share that same photo and said it symbolized a love that only grows stronger with age. I then read her comment aloud to everyone, emphasizing the importance of kindness and reminding them that we all age — and that’s something to be proud of.
Janice later apologized, admitting she was wrong.
Dealing with age-shaming from family can be painful, but wrinkles and gray hair are not flaws — they are marks of a life well lived.
What do you think? Should age ever define what we’re “allowed” to wear?
