How old is old?

A few weeks ago, I was in CA for a “generational differences in the workforce” presentation. I was walking along the beach after I arrived and taking in the gorgeous view. About 20 minutes into my walk, a cute 20-something couple approached me and asked me to take their photo. They needed it to go up on instagram before the sun went down. I happily took their phone and was preparing to create a photo that would live on in infamy on their feed. As the 20-something male handed me the phone he said, “All you have to do is press this button.” As someone who speaks and consults about the generations I wasn’t quite sure what the appropriate response was. Admittedly, I do not look 20 but with my hair in a ponytail hanging out from a Cubs baseball cap, I didn’t think I looked THAT old! I wanted to let him know that I owned the same iphone that he handed to me and he could rest assured that I actually had a decent eye for photos. Instead, I simply said, “Thank you for telling me that.” I so often talk to Gen Xers and Boomers about swallowing our pride for the sake of building bridges and on that day, I certainly had to swallow my own advice. It isn’t about us needing to look or feel smarter. It’s about creating spaces for people to be heard and to feel safe enough to speak up. Sometimes, we just need to receive the information that is being offered and roll with it. I know that I am forever grateful to finally know how to take a photo with my iphone.