I have a couple observations about the differences in how the over 30 crowd enjoys partying versus say the 20 somethings.
First, I’ll admit that I fall into the over 30s group even though I am completely in denial which I believe is a characteristic of being over 30.
Before I get into the observations about the differences between how we (over 30s) party now compared to how the 20s party now, I’d like to point out some (personal) thoughts about how we (over 30s) partied in our 20s compared to how 20s do now.
In our 20s we partied just as hard, if not harder than those today, the main difference is that we made it to work/school/whatever in the morning.
A couple years ago when I was working in Paris we had a conference with representatives from our agency coming from all over the world. One of the evenings was a big party for all the attendees. There was a lot of champagne (and all kinds of other bevies) flowing. The core crowd stayed until quite late. Myself I believe I left around 3 am and walked (20 mins) home to enjoy the air rather than take a taxi and I did it in 3 inch heels.
The next morning all of the core team (myself included) had presentations to do starting at a reasonable 9 am. My presentation was being presented in part by my direct report. She had the presentation on CD with her. Now I must say that this young woman is likely the most responsible young woman (and brightest) I have ever known. I had no hesitation in leaving her with the CD and no doubt she would make it on time for the presentation even though she was still at the party when I left at 3 am.
At about 8:45 am I must say I was getting pretty nervous. I had called and left a few messages. Still we were not to be the first to present so I was sure she would make it. I finally reached her and she said that she was on her way and would be there shortly. I reminded her that she had the only copy of the presentation (my mistake, should always have a back up plan) and she would need to be very, very fast so as not to be late, this would be embarrassing for both of us. She did arrive and all was fine.
My point here is that I had about 10 years on her and partied (as measured in the number of coupes of champagne consumed) as her. I still made it to the meeting in time to network with the others who had left the party early and were at the meeting enjoying their morning Pain au Chocolat and Caf.
Okay now for the observations of how we party in our 30s+. Here are few differences between us and the 20s and when we were in our 20s:
I. We are not obsessed with taking pictures of everything that happens (or doesn’t) all night long. We prefer to enjoy and maybe snap a couple pictures here and there.
II. The quality of our toys are much better, for example, it’s not that often that you’ll see a 30+ snapping pics from his/her mobile phone but rather if they are taking a pic it’s likely a higher end camera.
III. We look at our watch much more. Not sure if this is all about how much time we have left to party, or how much more time can we can spend before we go to bed in order to make it to work the next day.
IV. Those that smoked back in the day, still smoke, not much changed here.
V. Like the quality of cameras, the quality of beverages too has improved, you’ll see a lot more 30 somethings drinking premium beer brands and when it comes to wine, the baby duck is long gone in favour of quality vintages!
VI. Our clothing is different, we still dress up but not as ‘come hither’ as before or as the 20s do (exception to this are the 30s women who are either still single or divorced and looking to hook up).
VII. Here’s a good one, when it’s cold we put on coats! We do not stand in lines in the freezing cold without a coat because we don’t want to coat check and we want to look hot. We’ll gladly stay warm and then pay the $3 coat check. Plus usually we’re not going where we have to wait in line! We’ve moved on we like service and seats.
VIII. We don’t throw up in public bathrooms after over indulging, if we haven’t recognised our limit, which we’ve become much better at, we usually can wait until we’re home.
So if you are a 20s something, and happen to be where a 30s something is partying, take a look at what you’ll be doing in 10+ years and if you are a 30s something where there are some 20s somethings, have a little smile and memory of the days past but not lost.
Cheers, Sante, Chin Chin!
