In just a few weeks, I’ll be another year older. While this birthday isn’t a major milestone, it tends to blend into the rest, making it both special and insignificant all at once. It’s one of those “something” birthdays.
Reflecting on my past writings about the age of 33, I realize not much has shifted. The thirties of yesteryear look surprisingly similar to the thirties of today, perhaps with a few more laugh lines. Maybe that’s because this decade is all about settling in—discovering who we are and finding comfort in our lives. It’s the same routine, just with better clarity.
Being thirtysomething means knowing there once was a show called Thirtysomething, even if you never actually watched it. It’s being able to name a few members of the Brat Pack, but not all. It’s forgetting your child’s first-grade teacher’s name while still recalling your own.
It’s those cups of coffee that get reheated in the microwave, only to be forgotten. It’s going to bed by 9 p.m. on a Saturday and feeling perfectly satisfied with that choice. It’s waking up at 7:30 a.m. on days you can sleep in.
In your thirties, regular visits to the colorist become a necessity. You learn the perfect shade of lipstick that complements your look, but you might still try out a bold hot pink just because. It’s knowing what deserves your attention and what can be brushed off, although you might occasionally confuse the two.
You remember vividly where you were during pivotal moments, like September 11, 2001. Birthdays and baptisms seem to outnumber weddings, and the funerals are far too frequent. A wave of anxiety washes over you when your mom’s number appears on your phone unexpectedly—what could it mean?
Life in your thirties can be a rollercoaster. There are long stretches of happiness and contentment, where everything feels achievable, followed by those shorter, challenging periods where nothing seems to go right. It’s shedding tears in the shower and indulging in cookie dough, experiencing the highs and lows of life.
You may find yourself feeling like a teenager again, grappling with the awkwardness of adulthood, while trying to suppress laughter when your kid mixes up “truck” and a less suitable word in public. It’s the comfort of soft pajamas and familiar shoes, while dealing with a combination of pimples and wrinkles, and realizing, despite what everyone says, that you really don’t enjoy yoga—and that’s just fine.
There are those moments when you’re tucking in your little ones after a nightmare, only to lie awake for hours afterward, pondering life. You might still mix up “laying” and “lying,” but you’ve come to terms with that confusion. You feel both youthful and aged, as you navigate friendships with people in their twenties and forties alike.
In your thirties, you learn the art of saying “nope” politely. You often find yourself saying “I don’t know” or “ask your dad” more than you ever imagined. You might even feel a twinge of regret about not being invited to an event, even if you wouldn’t have wanted to attend.
Date nights now often involve chain restaurants, minivans, and discussions about finances. You come to understand who your true friends are and where your safe haven lies, all the while being that supportive figure for others. Your body may change—your belly might be rounder, breasts a bit saggy, and thighs thicker—but your heart feels fuller.
In conclusion, your thirties are a time of gaining wisdom and common sense, all while counting the hours until bedtime.
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Summary
Navigating your thirties is all about embracing life’s chaos. With experiences that mix nostalgia and reflection, this decade is a blend of comfort, uncertainty, and growth. From managing daily routines to handling emotional challenges, being thirtysomething is about learning what matters and finding joy in the little moments.
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