A lifetime is split up into successive stages when people become “old enough to”: —take Holy Communion and receive their first watch, have their hair permed in the case of girls, wear their first suit in the case of boys —start having their period and be allowed to wear stockings —drink wine at family gatherings, be allowed a cigarette, listen when grown-ups tell rude stories —get a job and go dancing, start “seeing” boys or girls —do one’s military service —go and see naughty films —get married and have kids —wear black —stop working —die.
