A writer reflects on her past judgment of women who chose to conceal their age. Previously in her 20s, she considered the practice unnecessary, believing age was simply a number. However, she now understands the reasons behind this decision, recognizing that disclosing one’s age can unfortunately invite prejudice. Revealing age can lead to unfair assessments of a person’s work, physical appearance, and overall relevance. This realization stemmed from experiencing age-related bias firsthand, demonstrating how easily age can become a basis for pre-judgment. The author’s perspective shifted, highlighting the pervasive issue of ageism and its impact on individuals professionally and personally. She now acknowledges the protective measure some women take by keeping their age private.