When I was a teenager, I distinctly remember my mother being 42, alongside my friends’ parents and teachers, all likely in their 40s. At that time, the notion of middle age felt distant and unappealing. Fast forward to today, and I realize that your 40s can be another essential phase of growth, filled with self-discovery and unique experiences. Here are some signs that you might be navigating this transformative decade:
- You find yourself frequently reaching out to your parents to express gratitude for their efforts during your teenage years, especially as you now raise your own teenagers.
- When you see a young mother with a pregnant belly and a toddler, you can’t help but think: “Thank goodness that’s not me,” “How did I manage that?” and “Most of her worries are probably trivial.”
- Your recent doctor visits have shifted to discussions about calcium supplements and the onset of perimenopause.
- You finally acknowledge the importance of establishing a skincare routine.
- Your college experiences feel like both a recent memory and a distant past.
- Dreaming of the ideal nursery has transformed into planning extensive home renovations for when the last child moves out.
- A girls’ night out consistently takes precedence over spending time with your spouse.
- You recognize that the price tag of your handbag doesn’t define your identity.
- The burden of mom guilt is starting to fade; cereal for dinner? Absolutely.
- You wish you could take your grandmother out for lunch just one more time.
- You may not remember last night’s dinner, but you can recite every word of Madonna’s “Borderline.”
- You’ve become quite skilled at Wheel of Fortune and remember the days when contestants would choose prizes.
- Familiar faces from your favorite 70s shows now appear in Lifetime and Hallmark films, reminding you of simpler times.
- When your teens ask about your teenage years, you claim, “I was perfect. I never got in trouble,” while secretly reflecting on how naive they are.
- You genuinely believe that 1997 was only a few years ago.
- You’re astonished that your mother allowed you to watch a movie about a glamorous escort marrying a millionaire when you were just seventeen—and to think Julia Roberts was only twenty-two then!
- Your husband finds the women in Viagra and Cialis ads attractive. You do too.
- You’ve become convinced of a phenomenon called “second puberty,” wondering why your body is changing now instead of during your teenage years.
- Your new benchmark for success has become owning three paid-off vehicles.
- You frequently wake up from the dreaded “Oh no, I’m pregnant!” nightmare, momentarily entertaining the thought of a surprise.
- You’re frustrated that you can’t slam the phone down when your teens annoy you, but relieved they can’t do it to you either.
- You feel compelled to inform your teenagers that high school is not the pinnacle of life, and that all of that drama will soon be forgotten.
- Going to bed early and waking up at dawn seems ideal, especially when it means enjoying solitude in a quiet home.
- Your date nights usually start with a movie, where you both note the increasing cost of tickets and snacks, and inevitably end with a trip to the grocery store.
- You’re now embracing the power of saying “No” confidently, and you’ve learned to let it stand alone as a complete thought.
- Whenever you come across “Pretty in Pink” or “Some Kind of Wonderful,” you feel compelled to watch until the pivotal romantic moments unfold.
The thought of reaching 50 used to fill me with dread, but now it doesn’t seem so daunting. After all, 50 is the new 30, right? If I’m experiencing a renaissance in my 40s, I can’t wait to see what life has in store next.
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In summary, your 40s can be a time of reflection and growth, filled with both nostalgia and excitement for the future.