None of those comments towards me were actual scorn, derision, or mockery. They were very clearly intended with jest, not malice. 'Mock' mockery, if you will. Honestly, if none of my friends were cracking jokes about me turning 30 I'd probably be concerned (e.g. Do they really think I'm that old? Do they feel like I can't take a joke? What's wrong with me?). This has nothing to do with ageism and everything to do with friends ripping on each other over stupid, meaningless things for fun.

Maybe it's just a style of humor to which you're not accustomed but it is second nature to many of us and it's a part of how we relate to each other. I appreciate any concerns you may have had for my feelings, but I don't appreciate it when myself and my friends are actually derided for innocuously joking around with each other.

Everybody ages and eventually dies; it's a part of life. I can approach this milestone with either bitterness or laughter in my heart. I instinctively choose the latter.