My first grannyisct attack.

Oh dear, I realised my flirting days were over when I locked eyes with a handsome younger man in the supermarket and he looked quickly away as if I had embarrassed him.

I was very happy some years ago when a football playing teen briefly stopped the street game by calling to his mates to 'make way for the elderly'.

I'm guessing your 'friend' hadn't been flirting, maybe she fancied the mechanic. Just a bit of green eyed jealousy?.
I'm a bit unsure how heavy flirting can get before ceasing to be harmless. Maybe you should write the guidelines!

Yes agree with you it was probably a joke or lighthearted remark, on the basis of which the OP has constructed her very long stealth boast about things none of which are very surprising or remarkable in themselves.

The remark made by the OP's friend was said as a joke surely. I was a Gran when I was 44 but that didn't make me an old lady before my time. I am 69 now and still enjoy a flirt.

I must admit I would be shocked if a 49 year old woman did not have all her own teeth and, barring health issues, be capable of a long bike ride and appreciating flattering male interest..
Many of us have daughters in their 40's, mine is running a half marathon in the Autumn and were she not to have a extremely attractive and loving DH would I hope turn a few heads!
So the issue is not how good OP looks/feels for 49' but that she finds that surprising or mutually exclusive with being a (young) grandmother.

When I had 2 very small children in the pram I remonstrated with a young cyclist who nearly ran into us, on the pavement. He responded by shouting "F* off, Granny". I was about 30. Anyone over teenage, I suppose, seems old to children.

Was agreeing with Polly.

No, of course not. Sure we can all agree on that.

Changing the subject slightly - my first grannyist attack was when I was about 65. Walking along a pavement in Southend and some little boys overtook me on bikes. I nearly lost my balance.
I shouted after them "You should have a bell and warn when you overtake!"
One of them replied "Silly old bat!" I was quite offended.

Well I agree with most comments (except the mean ones) but honestly I think the OP is being a bit over sensitive! I would just take it as a joke and laugh! Although I suppose it depends how it was said. Nothing wrong with harmless flirting whatever your age.

Not being rude, just don't see why the OP feels the need to go on at such length about having her own teeth (surely the norm in this day and age) and her fitness, in all senses of the word.

And I'm afraid people calling themselves 'Nonna' also sets my teeth on edge a bit. Shades of Mapp and Lucia. Unless of course the OP actually is Italian, in which case apologies.

Lordy lordy ladies, disagreement is good but no need for such rudeness surely. Flirt on I say, everyone(almost) loves a lady with a twinkle in their eye!

Flirt, flirt and flirt some more. I didn't learn how to flirt until I was 47. It's such fun. I can't believe how much I missed when I was younger lol.

Any 'ist' comment depends on how it is perceived by the recipient. Something that deeply hurts one person may simply bounce off someone else. That doesn't mean that either reaction is wrong. Just that we're all different.

I think your friend sounds jealous. Live your life your way and let her live hers in her way. I spent too much of my life behaving the way that was expected of me. Never again. If you like it and it doesn't hurt anyone then go for it.

I'm 59 and I still flirt. Not technically a grandma but I don't see what difference that makes.

I wasn't a Gran at 49 but was definitely flirting. Don't think age or grannydom have anything to do with it. Enjoy!

.... And 65 miles is achievable IF you wear padded cycling pants although a rest period the day afterwards would be a given

Interesting. I backpack all over the world alone, have a town bike with panniers and a full on mountain bike. I am not, and never have been considered a flirt but last
Sunday at the top of a particularly hard ascent I was chatted up by a male cyclist.

Again, perceptions came to the fore, as when he realised how old I was, claimed astonishment I was still out there and capable of strenuous outdoor activities. It's not the ability or resolve to carry on doing these things that is the issue. It is the ageist attitudes of others who seem to think I should be in slippers and knitting at home with the cats on my knee. I for one like to think I managed to change at least one young mans perception of grannies. And before I am told "it's all right for you I can't do this sort of thing etc etc. I have overcome very serious health issues to get back where I am, and count myself very lucky in the grand scheme of things.

I can't believe the comments by MargaretX and merlotgran! I think it is you two who need to 'get over yourselves'. Were you always such spoilsports or did you have to practice very hard to achieve the sense of snobbishness that you seem to be exhibiting? 66goodyear has achieved something great with her bike ride and if she had a bit of harmless flirting along the way - good for you girl!!! I wish I could say I have achieved a 65 mile bike ride but to be honest - I can't ride a bike! I have never had one so never learned to ride one. I've thought about learning now but if I had a fall it might prove a bit disastrous! How about sending the mechanic down my way. I wouldn't mind a bit of harmless flirting to lift the spirits. Good on you girl!

I think it's the OP's narcissism that probably irritated her friend - though that still doesn't excuse the friend's snarky comment.

Obviously fine to flirt at any age but the OP reads like a rather long stealth boast to me.

Sorry, 66goodyear but you sound like a right royal pain in the a**e to me.

MargaretX has it in a nutshell.....Get over yourself.

Sounds like a proper bit of green eyed monster to me, 66goodyear. It's sad that many people live by spurious, self-imposed rules such as, 'people of my age can't/don't do this/that.' It sounds like a recipe for rapid aging to me. Do what you're capable of and forget the number. Challenge yourself to do more, not less. To use a texting acronym, YOLO, you only live once!

Thanks Mumsy, now wheres that Great Granny See I can grin now.

66goodyear...you carry on flirting and carry on cycling..I think some gners have lost their sense of humour this morning!!
As I always say ' just because you have eaten it doesn't stop you looking at the menu'