Diminishing

They say your beauty diminishes as you age. I'm a little vain in this area. Having been an ugly duckling as a child, I don't want to experience that time in my life again. I see myself, not so gracefully, slipping into old age. I've been called "Ma'am" at the grocery store, and even "Sweetie" by younger folks. I use that word "folks" quite often. I've felt invisible out in public. Worst of all, when I've been very friendly, chatting away with a clerk (at the grocery, the only place I go-another indicator of age) I recognize that smile and polite nod, tolerating an old lady in her dotage.