Claire often refers to me as a curmudgeon. I seem to have noticed that she uses that term more in the past few years — maybe that’s because I’ve been trying to listen to her more lately — expanding my sphere of selective listening. To be perfectly honest, I really didn’t know what a curmudgeon was — I’d heard the term, but when it became apparent that I might be one (in some opinions) I thought I better extensively research it.
The dictionary definition is “a bad-tempered, difficult, cantankerous person.” Now I don’t really see myself fitting that description. I’ve never been accused of being a “yes man” or always agreeing with everyone. I express my opinion and think that is often interpreted as being difficult or cantankerous. Actually I’m just being honest.
Curmudgeonry (not sure if that’s a word, but it should be) is — falsely —believed to apply to grumpy old men. In fact, a curmudgeon can be any gender or age. It is basically a character trait. A true curmudgeon is absolutely convinced that almost all the current problems are caused by young people — another point for me not being a curmudgeon. I think a couple of problems were the fault of middle aged people.
So here’s some reasons I think maybe people think I’m a curmudgeon — and — some reasons I think I’m not.
Sometimes I’m accused of being crabby — I’m not; I tell the truth, and of course some people don’t like that.
I’m sometimes accused of being negative — I’m not; I don’t like, or dislike, something just because it’s popular or “trendy.” If a great new restaurant opens and I don’t like it, I say so — I don’t care that everyone else is raving about it.
Some (most) people think I dress like a curmudgeon — I don’t; I dress for comfort. After years of “business dress” I can do without those ties, button down shirts, shoes that have to be polished… I wear things that feel good.
Sometimes I’m accused of thinking I know better than anyone else — — well, ok; that’s usually the case and it’s difficult to stand or sit by and see mistakes being made. I usually have the solution to most problems. I am a supremely independent thinker and very wise with the belief that such power should be used for the good of mankind.
A lot of people are classified as curmudgeons along with me — Andy Rooney, Ebenezer Scrooge, Oscar the Grouch, Maxine, the cartoon character (see, a female), Archie Bunker, Dr. House on TV, Grumpy of the Seven Dwarfs, all cats, the Grinch…. I’m not sure that’s necessarily bad company to be in (except for the cats.)
Obviously you can tell I think Curmudgeonry has gotten a bad name — people should spend more time listening to curmudgeons; they’d learn how to solve real world problems.
—30—
At what age is it acceptable to be a curmudgeon? If you are like this when you are young you are called nasty names, but when you reach a certain age it seems like it becomes lovable.
As I so eloquently stated, Curmudgeonry is a character trait. Most anyone can be a grouch, but usually only old people can qualify as a curmudgeon. How old? Depends. If you’re serious and believe you might now or some day become a curmudgeon, I’d suggest you apply to the International Society of Curmudgeons (ISOC.) That organization, formed under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO) has as its sole mission to authenticate true curmudgeons. They use advances in modern technology and employ a complex and sophisticated certification process. If you qualify, you will receive a license to practice curmudgeonry. Good luck.