When I was 16, my mom was 42, and my friends’ parents appeared to be in their 40s too. At the time, they felt ancient, a far cry from the vibrant youth I was experiencing. But looking back, I realize that your 40s are just another chapter in life, filled with unique discoveries, milestones, and some amusing quirks. Here are a few signs that you might be navigating this fascinating decade:
- You find yourself calling your parents regularly, reflecting on the challenges of raising teenagers and perhaps apologizing for your own teenage antics.
- When you see a young mother with a toddler and a baby bump, 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’s appointments have shifted to discussions about calcium intake and the onset of perimenopause, a sign of the times.
- Finally, you acknowledge that it’s time to invest in a skincare routine, recognizing the importance of self-care.
- College memories seem both recent and incredibly distant, making you feel nostalgic yet wise.
- Your fantasies about perfect children’s rooms have morphed into dreams of major home renovations for when the last child leaves the nest.
- Girls’ nights out take precedence over date nights with your spouse, as you cherish that time with friends.
- You’ve come to understand that the price tag of your handbag doesn’t define who you are—it’s all about substance.
- The guilt of “mommying” is fading, and you embrace the idea of cereal for dinner without a second thought.
- You often wish for just one more lunch date with your grandmother, cherishing those moments.
- While you struggle to recall last night’s dinner, you can effortlessly sing along to Madonna’s “Borderline” from memory.
- You’ve developed a knack for Wheel of Fortune and remember when contestants used to select their prizes.
- The stars of your favorite old TV shows now appear in Lifetime and Hallmark movies, reminding you of your youth.
- When your teenagers ask about your own teen years, you confidently claim, “I was perfect,” while secretly reminiscing about your own rebellious days.
- You genuinely think that 1997 was just a few years ago, feeling a disconnect with time.
- You’re still amazed that your mother let you watch a movie about a glamorous escort who ends up with a millionaire when you were just seventeen.
- Your husband finds the women in Cialis commercials attractive, and you can’t deny you feel the same way.
- You’re convinced that “second puberty” is real—why are your breasts developing now instead of in the ’80s?
- A new status symbol for you is having three cars that are fully paid off.
- You frequently wake up in a panic from dreams about being unexpectedly pregnant, only to feel relieved that it’s not the case.
- You can’t slam the phone down on your teens, but you’re grateful they can’t do it to you either.
- You feel the urge to tell your teens that high school is far from the best years of their lives, and that all their drama will soon be forgotten.
- Going to bed early and waking up at dawn feels perfectly reasonable, especially when you relish the quiet of the house.
- Date nights often start at the cinema, where you lament ticket prices, then inevitably end at the grocery store for essentials.
- You’ve mastered the art of saying “No” and are comfortable using it as a complete sentence.
- Whenever you stumble upon “Pretty in Pink” or “Some Kind of Wonderful,” you stop to watch until the iconic moments play out.
The thought of hitting 50 once filled me with dread, but now? Not so much. After all, 50 is the new 30, right? I’m excited about this new awakening I’m experiencing in my 40s, and I can only imagine how much richer life will be in the next decade.
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Summary:
Your 40s can be a time of reflection, humor, and self-discovery. As you navigate this phase, you’ll find that experiences and milestones offer a unique perspective on life, relationships, and motherhood. Embrace the quirks and enjoy the journey!