Updated: August 13, 2023
Originally Published: January 16, 2023
Recently, I woke up to find noticeable lines etched across my forehead. Standing in front of the mirror, I attempted to smooth them out. My partner offered some encouragement. “Sweetheart, you’re just aging. Those are smile lines. You’ve been happy, but yes, you’re aging.”
“I’m not feeling so happy right now. And you’re thinning on top.”
What just happened? Did I really start to age?
I take care of my skin. I’m a VIP at a popular beauty retailer (that means Very Important Person in Beauty). My latest acquisition was a serum infused with advanced strains of micro-algae. I apply that product religiously, expecting it to firm and lift. For a price tag of $98, I anticipated tighter skin and a more youthful figure. Yet here I am, with deep lines above my eyebrows, and my body seems to have lost its youthful bounce.
Let’s not forget about forgetfulness and misplacing items. While it may seem trivial, it can drive anyone mad. Just yesterday, I frantically searched for my phone while my kids waited, backpacks on, lunch boxes in hand, and playfully bickering.
“Stop hitting each other! I need to find my phone! QUIT YELLING!”
“Mom, you’re holding your phone.”
Oh, great.
“Get in the car.”
“Mom, I think you’re getting older.”
“Just get in the trunk.”
And the gray hair situation? I’ve been coloring my hair for years now. As someone with Italian and Ukrainian roots, my first gray hair appeared early, stubborn and defiant. What began as occasional touch-ups has turned into frequent appointments with my stylist, who practically lives at my place now. And let’s be honest—this goes beyond just the hair on my head. Ladies, it’s not just the top; it’s everything. Trust me, you don’t want your partner to be the first to discover those surprises down below.
Eventually, you’ll experience the trifecta of aging: hair, body, and even what I call “the chin sofa.” You might find pesky hairs popping up in unexpected places. My first encounter was shocking enough that I had to show my partner just for a laugh. “If you want any action tonight, please don’t do that again.”
And then there’s intimacy. I remember the days when I was an enthusiastic partner in my 20s and 30s. After having kids, dealing with a thyroid condition, and facing early menopause, my libido took a nosedive. If you’re curious about how menopause affects desire, a quick online search will enlighten you. Plus, there are dryness issues to contend with. Sure, you can make a face like you’ve just bitten into a lemon, but let’s be real—things aren’t as they once were. There are solutions, but intimacy becomes more of a planned affair. You’ll need to approach it with humor, or you might just end up spending a long time solo. So, stock up on lubrication (I find the extra-strength variety works wonders). While you can still enjoy yourself, swinging from the chandeliers is likely off the table—you might just hurt your back!
And let’s talk about weight gain. Okay, I’ve noticed it. Some women seem to escape this fate, but for the rest of us? Our bodies change as we age. The metabolism you used to rely on? It’s basically gone. So, you can either bid farewell to indulgences or embrace that extra bit of you. I’ve chosen to enjoy my wine and desserts. I’ve earned it after living for half a century and raising two kids who, despite their antics, are still thriving. So, pour me a glass and pass the cake—preferably a corner piece.
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Summary
Aging brings various challenges, from physical changes like wrinkles and weight gain to forgetfulness and shifts in intimacy. Embracing these changes with humor and acceptance can lead to a more fulfilling experience of this new chapter in life.