Sandwiched
If you’re a member of the sandwich generation, at some point you have to realize that you’re just not cool anymore. Okay, I’ll admit, I haven’t been cool for decades. Sometimes, however, you’re slapped in the face with just how “uncool” you are.
I’m sure many of my readers are familiar with the Holderness Family. According to their website, their videos have resulted in over a billion views and 4.5 million followers across social media. Their family is one of the most sought-after content creators for family brands.
The Holderness Family has brought me tremendous joy, especially during this pandemic. However, a couple of weeks ago, they reminded me of just how uncool I really am thanks to their “Quit Throwing Shade on Her Part” video.
This video, sung to the tune of “Quit Playing Games with My Heart” by the Backstreet Boys, features lyrics saying that, according to the family’s teenage daughter, parting your hair on the side, wearing skinny jeans, and using the face with tears of joy emoji are all “out.”
I wasn’t exactly laughing as I adjusted my skinny jeans … and readers can take a look at my photo that clearly shows I part my hair on the side. Guess what my favorite emoji is?
First of all, if I part my hair in the middle, it makes my already not-so-tiny nose look huge. I’ve tried it in the past and it just ain’t happenin’.
Second, dang it, I’ve finally gotten my weight managed despite being in perimenopause. (Thanks, intermittent fasting!) My go-to “uniform” is a T-shirt, jacket, boots, and … skinny jeans. (Once again, see photo in this paper.) I love how easy it is, especially in our more casual society.
Finally, the crying and laughing out loud emoji is just so dang fun. According to the video, the “in” alternative is the skull, or “dying with laughter” emoji. Um … no. Skulls belong in a science lab … or on a front porch for Halloween … or, you know, surrounding your brain and holding up your face. And I don’t see this supposedly funny skull in my lineup of emojis on my phone.
Let’s face it – we’ve got enough going on in the sandwich generation without worrying about how cool we are. True, we want to take care of ourselves, look our best, and express ourselves well. But I personally am not going to change who I am thanks to what teens are saying on TikTok. And NO, I’m NOT a “Boomer!”
Now, excuse me – I have a client meeting soon … better throw on my skinny jeans and check my side-parted hair.