What Happens When You Go From No Attention To Too Much?

A weekend away

Photo by Marcel Strauß on Unsplash

In case you are wondering, that picture is not of me. I have written about being invisible these days. Being a senior is like that, I thought. I found it is not always true.

My husband and I spent a weekend at a gorgeous casino/hotel in Connecticut. It was huge, opulent, with great restaurants and expensive shops. Since Stormy is no longer with us (my beloved 19 1/2-year-old Havanese dog), we are hitting the road.

My husband loves to gamble, but not me. I read, and write at the pool area, and I march around, in and out of stores. The hotel was not crowded. It was huge with two gigantic casinos and other amenities. I walked to the empty bar at the pool to get a cup of ice, to return to our room. The very “friendly” senior bartender said, " What else can I get for you?” “No, thank you I replied”. He had a too-big smile. Creepy, I thought. Was I supposed to tip? I never know the rules about tipping.

As I walked back inside the hotel, checking out the Native American decor, I realized men were looking at me. Not the glance and look down, but at me. Initially, I thought something of mine was a miss. What could be showing that should not be? Everything seemed to be in place. I have always found it disturbing that when men walk with a woman, they still look hungrily at other women. It is very disrespectful.

Men were looking at me as they strolled with their wives, I assumed the women were their wives?. They were looking at me, when they were alone. Good grief, did they think I was an old street walker? What a horrifying thought for this senior.

You might think I would be flattered. I am too old for this nonsense, now that I am no longer young. This happens when you are available., or so I foolishly thought. My granddaughter is a mature 14-year-old who complained about this the other day. Boys were looking at her, in an uncomfortable way. I well understand. She will too.

Was a single, senior woman marching around this hotel so unusual? Well, I thought I missed being noticed; now I do not care for being noticed at all. Was this a compliment, or an insult?

I was wearing jeans, a sweater, and sneakers, carrying a huge pocketbook. Nothing tight; the colors were more subdued than usual. There was security everywhere. I was not frightened, more curious and uncomfortable.

I decided this could never happen on Long Island, where I live. Nobody pays attention to me. I have my invisibility cloak on there. I need to ask my friend who lives in Conn. if this is her experience. She is very attractive. into her 80’s. The scenario was very strange indeed. I will stop complaining about being invisible, maybe. Judy