HELP! SOMEONE MIGHT OVERHEAR HOW OLD I AM!

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When I am picking up a prescription, the druggist usually asks for my birthdate, sometimes in front of other people.

Must I say the year? I bristle at this. Aren’t ladies allowed to hide their ages? Isn’t the name, date and month enough?

GENTLE READER: Oh, please -- don’t even think that way.

Yes, the idea has long been prevalent that a lady should be able to conceal her age. Do you know why? Because only nubile females were considered worthwhile -- making it an embarrassment for women to age.

You apparently believe this, or you wouldn’t be fretting that strangers picking up their own prescriptions might overhear your birth date.

Miss Manners begs you not to hang on to this humiliating idea.

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