We went to dinner last night to celebrate my father-in-law’s birthday and, as a gift, the Chili family presented him with a lovely grey wool sweater vest, not unlike this one here. He seemed pleased with it, and we all went home happy.
When I came home from work this afternoon, this message was waiting for me on the machine (and I’m quoting here); “Hi, it’s Mum. I’m wondering if you can return Dad’s vest. He doesn’t like things that button up the front; he thinks it makes him look old. I wasn’t going to say anything, but he tried it on this morning and it does. If you can bring it back, I’ll take it to your house; just let me know.”
My father-in-law is turning 86 tomorrow. I think he’s at a point where the “older gentleman” look suits him.
Whatever.
Okay, that was hysterical!!! “makes him look old.” DUH!!!!!!
Hilarious that this is his reasoning but I suppose none of us ever wants to look old.
I’m in a silly mood and can’t resist suggesting you buy him something worthy of going clubbing. A snug fitting button down shirt with some sparkle, perhaps.
My guess is that his wife told him that he looks old in it. And that she’s the one with the problem.
But of course, that’s just a guess.
I’m with Meno – SHE has an issue that perhaps became his. It’s too bad that clothing such as sensible and warm wool vests (which are PERFECT for older people and their cold-aversion) become too tainted by negative connotations to be palatable. I want one and I’m 41.
pronoun problem: SHE meaning MIL, not Meno, you understand…
Please don’t ever buy me a sweater vest! I don’t blame him, or her, for not being down with it.. Although he probably does have a pocket protector.. Whatever, just don’t buy me one. Thanks.
I think people get weirder as they get older. Old people can be funny!
ok. my mom is 73 and she is the same way. she doesn’t like clothes that make her look old — but she’s like 5′ 2″ and pure white hair — she’s your typical little old lady…. but she doesn’t think 73 is really that old….
Buy him some Kanye West/Fergie outfit with a lot of bling.
Freaking 86…those chili-in-laws are weird.
Oh, this so reminds me of my grandfather whom, upon entering a senior apartment building, declared “Everybody in this place is too damn old. Why do I have to live here?” Grandpa’s age at the time? 90. He was about the oldest guy in the place. And he laughed and laughed when that little fact was pointed out to him.