When I was a kid I always thought how cool it would be to become invisible. You could go where you wanted, do what you wanted, and no one would ever know you were there. You could use this power, superpower if you will, to do either good or bad. You could listen to conversations, enter restricted areas, learn secrets and mysteries kept from everyday normal people and they simply would not know you were there.

We all have parameters of what defines us as a human being. Its different for everyone. But by becoming invisible these definitions are removed - if you don't exist then who cares about your appearance, how you talk, what you drive, where you live, who you interact with. It really doesn't matter. You are invisible.

Seems I've achieved my childhood desire. It took a while to realize it and longer to accept it and now the difficulty of leaning how to live with it. And its not how I'd imagined. I am slowly fading into invisibility, to an indistinct existence somewhere not in the real world but still present at some level. You're there but you aren't. People see you but they don't. You aren't completely gone but you aren't seen as a full complete person. At best the part of you that is left, the part that is seen, is tolerated but you can easily discern they would rather you fade on away. It no longer matters who you were or what you once did. They simply do not nor do they wish to see you. Its too brutal a reminder of what they will also encounter.

So how did this happen? I got old.

I’m right there with you. I’ve gotten old as well.

Sounds like you have inadvertently achieved the much discussed “gray man status”.

There are probably many favorable aspects to this. But, yes I know what you are talking about from a negative aspect too. It probably speaks more to the self absorbed nature of people you normally run into than yourself.

https://premeditatedsurvival.com/gray-man-skills/amp/

I just turn my Iphone off.

I understand exactly what you mean. I started becoming invisible after I retired. Covid made it worse. If you aren't at the grocery store, the hardware store or the drug store I don't see you. Although I had a running buddy years ago that claimed he got invisible every time he drank white whiskey.

If I was invisible I'd do perverted things 😉

I think I’m right there with you and it sucks. You just fade into the background, the white noise.

You know what is becoming invisible?

Real men willing to date these crazy women out there.

Nowadays being invisible isn’t required.

I know exactly what you mean. I feel the same way.

YOU.....NAILED IT!! I've been Single for quite a while Now but continue to be Open-Minded regarding Women. However,Seems most Carry too much Mental Baggage and are Crazier than a Road Squirrel in there Actions.

Interesting to see I'm not the only one with this perception.

Thanks

You have achieved invisibility through the process of using the SEP principal as described in the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. The SEP principal relies on the fundamental fact that people only see things that are a problem to them. SEP for short means Somebody Else's Problem.

I too am invisible.... and I am married!

Honestly, I am really glad you posted this today. At the risk of being a little transparent, even though I don’t actually know most of y’all, I feel the exact same way, and I am only 50 (almost 51). The only time I “ seem to matter” is when I can do something for someone. Whether its at work, or in the community. It’s kind of a lonely existence but I guess it’s better than dealing with the BS of today’s society. I absolutely do NOT fit into this world today.

Thanks Roadkill for posting this. Great observation that describes a lot of us. Mine varies by the day and situation. Sometimes I push back and that can be get some interesting reactions. I do wonder if it was the same for my grandparents?

I’m probably younger than most of the guys replying, but I feel this way frequently. I try to think of things with an eternal perspective, so that’s personally very helpful. If any of you have ever heard the song “Turn your eyes upon Jesus”, there’s a lyric that talks about things of this world growing strangely dim. The context of the song is not what’s being discussed here, but It does remind me that the earth isn’t my home. Thanks Roadkill for starting the thread.

2 Corinthians 4:18

We’re invisible and about to be extinct.

I had an old friend pass away in May. I found out accidentally through someone who has Faceplant. I contacted another old friend that used to run with us to tell him. He said, “Man you’re like a ghost! You must be in special ops! I couldn’t find you anywhere on social media.” I said well I don’t do any form of social media. He asked how I was supposed to keep up with everyone. I said I don’t, I give my number to the people I want to talk to. He had nothing more to say. Being invisible has it’s positives.

yes it does 👍🏻