life after 40

gay man walks into upscale gay-identified department store (not a classic joke opening, but could be)

looking for new fancy shave cream, since the old one was from either a lovely Wicker Park shop that closed (tragic) or at this same gay dream store, which doesn't carry it anymore (tragic)

score the new, even fancier shave cream. $16

oh a whim, he does it. he decides. he has been thinking of asking about better product for his aging face. do it.

"Can you look at my face and tell me what I need?"

in 3.5 seconds, the slightly zaftig cosmetics girl is launched on her mission:

Biotherm Homme Detoxifying Cleanser

Biotherm Homme Hydra-Detox Detoxifying Moisturizer

But no, not enough. She is so concerned about the gay man's deteriorating looks, that there's more:

Biotherm Densité Lift Yeux Redensifying Anti-wrinkle Eye Care.

(redensifying anti-wrinkle eye care?! Who comes up with these names?! Not exactly ego-affirming)

and ...

Biotherm Homme Age Fitness Time Resisting Treatment With Pure Olive Leaf Concentrate!

gay man walks out.

price of new man-products: $68 (don't tell the husband)

toll on gay man's ego: nominal

lesson in how world views the aging: priceless