“You Can’t Be 36 and Talking Like This”: Lady Claps Back at Man Who Shamed Her for Posting Selfies Online

Social media users have been left buzzing after a 27-year-old lady shared her polite but firm response to a 36-year-old man who attempted to berate her for posting pictures of herself online. The exchange, which has since gone viral on X (formerly Twitter), highlights the growing clash between generational expectations, gender norms, and personal freedom in today’s digital world.

The user, identified as Andre, the tailor (@AChinegbom4049), revealed that she had “to talk back politely” after being lectured by a man who thought her use of the front camera was an irresponsible act for a woman her age. According to the screenshots she shared, the man, believed to be a 36-year-old acquaintance, began by comparing her to other women he claimed were more “responsible” because they had children.

In his now-viral message, the man wrote, “Ur mate them don born 3 for Umuahia, you de post front camera.” The remark, which loosely translates to “Your mates already have three kids in Umuahia while you’re busy taking selfies,” immediately stirred reactions online for its condescending tone and moral policing.

Apparently shocked by his audacity, Andre initially tried to stay calm but couldn’t let the comment pass unchecked. She responded with class and subtle wit, questioning why a man nearly a decade older would think it appropriate to shame her for living life on her own terms. “You can’t be 36 years and saying this to a 27-year-old,” she wrote, emphasizing the absurdity of his unsolicited opinion.

What made the conversation even more interesting was how the man persisted despite her composure. After being called out, he doubled down on his point, sending another message that read, “Na mistake I do.” He then continued, almost defensively, “Why you no born when you dey my age?” repeating the same line minutes later, as though trying to prove a moral point. The exchange exposed how some individuals still hold on to rigid societal expectations about age, marriage, and motherhood — particularly towards women.

Andre’s reply, however, struck a chord with many who have faced similar unsolicited “life advice.” Her post quickly gained traction, drawing thousands of likes, retweets, and comments from users who praised her for handling the situation with grace and confidence. Many commended her for setting boundaries, while others used the opportunity to discuss how certain men often project their frustrations or insecurities onto women who appear to be living freely and happily.

One user commented, “Some men just can’t stand seeing a woman doing what makes her happy without seeking their approval.” Another wrote, “It’s always the ones who haven’t achieved anything for themselves that feel the need to lecture women about life choices.”

Others turned the situation into light-hearted humor, mocking the man’s insistence on comparing a 27-year-old’s lifestyle to that of mothers in Umuahia. Memes and GIFs flooded the replies, with one user joking, “Oga, go face your three children in Umuahia and leave people with their front cameras alone.”

Beyond the laughs, however, the incident opened a broader conversation about societal double standards and the pressure women face regarding timelines — especially in African societies. The idea that a woman’s worth or maturity is tied to marriage or childbirth remains deeply rooted, and Andre’s story reflected a growing rejection of that notion.

Social media platforms like X have become spaces where young people, particularly women, are redefining what it means to live fully and authentically. Posting selfies, sharing opinions, or showcasing achievements are now common expressions of individuality. Yet, for some traditional-minded individuals, such acts are still seen as vanity or rebellion against cultural expectations.

Andre’s polite defiance, therefore, wasn’t just about responding to one man — it symbolized a generational shift in mindset. Women today are increasingly refusing to be shamed for living life at their own pace, whether that means focusing on careers, pursuing passions, or simply enjoying their youth without the pressure to conform.

Her viral post also touched on how online interactions can reveal hidden biases. Many users noted that the man’s comments reflected a sense of entitlement — the belief that he could dictate how a woman should behave or what her priorities should be based on his personal standards. Such attitudes, they argued, highlight why many women today are advocating for more respect and autonomy in both online and offline spaces.

Interestingly, Andre mentioned that she “talked back politely,” and that detail resonated with many readers. It showed that asserting oneself doesn’t always have to come with aggression; sometimes, calm confidence is the strongest response. She didn’t resort to insults or defensive anger — she simply reminded him of the absurdity of his stance. That maturity and poise earned her even more admiration online.

As the debate continued, some men joined the conversation, calling out the 36-year-old’s behavior as embarrassing and counterproductive. A male user tweeted, “This is why women don’t take advice from men seriously anymore. You can’t equate responsibility with childbirth or marriage. People grow differently.” Others urged men to stop comparing women to outdated societal molds, noting that times have changed and that everyone’s journey is unique.

Andre’s experience also reignited discussions about respect for personal choices. For many young people, especially in an era driven by social media visibility, self-expression through photos, videos, and posts has become an integral part of communication and creativity. What older generations may see as frivolous or attention-seeking, younger ones often view as confidence and self-love.

By standing up for herself, Andre reminded everyone that there’s nothing wrong with enjoying one’s life, celebrating small moments, or capturing memories — even with the “front camera” her critic mocked. The conversation, in essence, wasn’t about selfies but about self-worth and autonomy.

The viral exchange ended with a resounding show of support for Andre, who has now become somewhat of a symbol for women who face everyday judgments disguised as advice. Her story has inspired others to respond to similar comments with the same blend of politeness and assertiveness — to correct, not confront, and to remind others that maturity isn’t defined by marital status or motherhood, but by self-awareness and respect for others’ choices.

In a society still grappling with outdated gender norms, Andre’s calm but firm response was a refreshing reminder that women owe no one an explanation for how they choose to live or express themselves. Her words — “You can’t be 36 years and saying this to a 27-year-old” — now stand as a viral declaration of modern womanhood: confident, independent, and unapologetically self-assured.