When do I have to stop calling myself a "young lady"?

Question

As another birthday approaches I begin to wonder how long I can pull off being a "young lady". At what age do I have to drop the "young"?

If you want to debate the semantics, terminology, definition or social conceptions of the word "lady", that's fine, but not my concern.

Answer 1

You can call yourself anything you like for as long as you like.  

Personally I don't like being called "young lady" by someone who thinks he is "flirting" with me.

Answer 2

I was visiting a nursing home recently, and one of the male nurses asked a group of very old women "What would you young ladies like for afternoon tea?".

Needless to say, he is a shameless flirt and VERY popular with the over-90s set.

For self referral, I think maybe mid-20s could be stretching it a bit, but unless people are breaking out in guffaws when you say it, keep doing what you feel comfortable with ~ you may have the looks, carriage and personality to carry it off for years to come!

Cheers :-)

Answer 3

i think that "young lady" applies to teens. i am 24 and i hate being called that unless someone truly old is calling me that.

Answer 4

Simple, when others stop calling you 'Young Lady'

Answer 5

You can still be and act like a "young lady" at any age. If you are called young lady by anyone, just thank them. I am almost 60 and have been called young lady at times! Think young! I am not going to debate the word lady.......as that is what you are! I know some 20-30ish women who act older than I do. I have also been told I look younger than my age. It's nice to hear. You don't have to drop the young in your vocabulary. Best wishes to you, "young lady"! Happy Birthday ...soon!

Answer 6

Good question.  The manliest, most intellectually gifted men (i.e., disciplinarians) often use that epithet in addressing  wives, fiancees, girlfriends.  "Young lady!" quoth a stern voice, thus alerting the errant female that her offense(s) have been noted, and that corporal punishment is imminent.... Outside of that disciplinary context, the term "young lady" is rarely encountered: it sounds affected, if not archaic.  Thus you can drop it anytime...

Answer 7

Like Rebel wrote, men seem to want to drop the "young" a.s.a.p. If you feel young and like being called a young lady it can continue. Older people will probably always refer to you as such. The younger generation will see you as old when you hit 30.

Answer 8

When men routinely hold the door for you or your children refer to you as their "ole lady".

Answer 9

It's largely in the mind but happy birthday-to-be!

Answer 10

Hi The Mrs.:

I don't think there's any age when you have to do this.  I know 70 year old people who get called young lady by 40 year old men.  You don't have to go along with society's way of thinking.  Consider the fact that society is a liar!  You are who you are, and I hope you're proud.  And Happy Bday!

Answer 11

when ever you feel like it. in my opinion your old when your dead. so live life to the fullest. and don't lower your "value" on being old, or young, or ancient for that matter.

your as young as you feel.

Answer 12

never hun..

Answer 13

I'm 23 and I already want to get rid of the "young" in young man.  I can't really see any advantages to using it past college age (22 or 23), but maybe I'm missing something.

Answer 14

I call 80-90 year old women who are using a walker "young lady"

Answer 15

I quit using "young lady" the day I turned 18 years of age.  Then I was a woman.  From the looks of your 40's icon, and your name, "The Mrs." you should have given the "young lady" title up at least a quarter of a century ago.

What's the matter? Afraid of the word, "WOMAN"?

Answer 16

Happy soon-to-be birthday!

The way I see it, "young lady" is not a term usually applied to oneself but is generally used by other people.  Some people use it only for teens, some use it for those up through their 20's, some use it for those up through their 30's, and some use it as a complimentary term for those of any age.  It may depend also on the age of the speaker -- to an 80-year-old woman, a 35-year-old is certainly a "young lady."  To a 40-year-old woman, a "young lady" might be someone in her teens or early 20's.  

If you want to apply the term to yourself, I suppose you can use it as long as you feel comfortable.  I personally would stop around age 30 or 35 -- not that I plan on feeling old by then, mind you, but I feel I should have reached full adult maturity by then.

Answer 17

Over 45 years old Is Getting up there.

Answer 18

50

Answer 19

which ever way your mop flops.....its entirely up to you ...and no otherbodys business sweetie......may i call you sweetie ..i mean it only as a term of endearment...no disrespect....you have a great day........Bosun x

Answer 20

That's entirely up to you.

Answer 21

happy birthday. young or old is a matter of mind. and it is relative. for instance, a 16 year old would think a 40 year old woman is freakin' old. while a 30 year old might think a 40 year old woman is just a young lady. and a 70 year old would think a 40 year old is just a baby.

Answer 22

Your half birthday at age 24.

Answer 23

lol, Thunder.  

I think at least 21

Answer 24

When you're old.

Answer 25

personally..i dont like being called that..takes me back to when I was a kid and pissed my parents off