I’ll admit, I might stretch the truth about my age just a tad. (Okay, maybe just a smidge of vanity!) It all started when I overheard a little girl at my daughter’s dance class declare that her mom was 47. The mom’s frozen smile was a classic response to that unexpected revelation, and I thought, “No way will I let my kids spill the beans about my age in public!” But let’s face it—my kids are getting better at math, so this cover-up won’t last forever.
That being said, being in your forties does have its fair share of perks:
- Nostalgia Nation: You can spot those ancient relics on Facebook. You know the posts that ask you to “like” the old-school gadgets? Seriously, it just serves to remind us all how old we really are.
- Compliments with a Twist: You’re bound to receive a backhanded compliment like, “You look great for being in your forties.” Here’s a pro tip for those giving compliments: Just stick with “You look great.” No qualifiers needed!
- Gaming Throwback: You remember when controllers had one orange button and a joystick. Today’s game controllers look like they require a degree in engineering. I still struggle with all the buttons and arrows—give me an orange button any day!
- Oldies but Goodies: You know you’re getting older when the songs you grew up with start playing on the “oldies” station. I remember hearing “Every Breath You Take” by The Police and thinking, “Wait, this is on the grandma station?”
- Stylish Cover-Ups: I adore swimming but dread wearing a bathing suit in public. Enter the cute pool cover-ups! Who needs a perfect body when you can dress like a glamorous star? Besides, I prefer not to worry about showing my C-section scar.
- Fax Machine Mastery: If you can still operate a fax machine, you might just be in the “fortysomething” club. I’d be surprised if anyone under 20 even knows what a fax sounds like!
- Mixtape Memories: Remember making mixtapes? Not playlists—actual tapes! The kind where you had to hit pause before stopping to cut out the awkward clicks. Those were the days!
- Skiing Skills: You can navigate the slopes with finesse—snowplows, stem Christies, and maybe even parallel skiing. Meanwhile, snowboarders are probably scratching their heads.
- Thongs Have Evolved: Once upon a time, thongs were only sandals with a strap between the toes. Now, they’ve become a whole different fashion statement. I learned the hard way when I told my boss I needed to change into my thongs!
- Botox? No Thanks: I see the “angry 11s” on my forehead as I type, and while I appreciate the years they represent, I’m not about to inject poison into them. I wear my wrinkles proudly—they tell the story of my life!
- Tipping Etiquette: You’ve mastered the art of recognizing when a server deserves a good tip. My husband and I got carded at a sushi place recently. We looked good, but not that good!
So, as you can see, being in your 40s has its advantages. Honestly, life could be much worse. Every day is a gift, and while I’m not ready to drink the youth serum of someone in their twenties, I might just ask her to be my body double for the next pool party.
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Summary
Embracing your 40s comes with its unique perks, from nostalgic memories to stylish solutions for pool days. While age may bring wrinkles and carding surprises, it also ushers in a wise and witty perspective on life that shouldn’t be taken too seriously.