DEAR MISS MANNERS: As a university professor in my mid-60s, I feel very comfortable with my job. I find my daily interactions with students refreshing, and enjoy the company of several colleagues in the profession. I have a rich intellectual life.
I love what I do and do what I love. Unless I develop a severe disease, I plan to continue my work until I feel that it is time to stop.
Yet all kinds of people -- not only family and friends, but strangers I occasionally chat with on planes -- keep asking me why I have not retired. I never ask anybody else about their retirement plans, not even my closest friends.
I keep saying that I have a fulfilling and gratifying job, yet people insist. Is there a better answer?
GENTLE READER: "When you retire, you are probably going to want to pass on your wisdom to the next generation. I am lucky enough to do that for a living. Why should I stop?"