Dear Wrinkles: Would You Kindly Leave?

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Dear Wrinkles,

Once upon a time, you felt like a distant concern—something that happened to others, a warning from my mother who constantly cautioned me, “If you keep frowning like that, you’ll get wrinkles.” As she diligently applied various creams in an effort to stave off your encroachment, I believed I was safe.

Fast forward to my mid-30s, and here we are, face to face—well, more accurately, you’ve claimed my face. Initially, I was in denial about your presence, pointing fingers at poor lighting or assuming my pillow was the culprit behind those unsightly creases. But as the days turned into months, I had to confront the reality that you weren’t just visiting; you were here for the long haul, settling in comfortably.

A little warning would have been polite. Imagine if you had introduced yourself with a casual, “Hey, mind if I set up camp around your eyes and stretch across your forehead?” I would have enthusiastically declined and continued to look 25. Instead, you crept in quietly, like an ex stalking my social media. Suddenly, you were in places I never anticipated would show signs of aging.

Sure, I might have basked in the sun and used oil like it was going out of style, but I’ve learned from those youthful mistakes. Do I really deserve to be penalized for actions taken in my reckless past? My liver hasn’t given up on me for the shenanigans of my college days, after all.

In a desperate attempt to keep you at bay, I’ve tried an array of solutions. I even considered adopting a completely expressionless demeanor—no raised eyebrows or squinted eyes—to minimize your presence. But imagine my dismay when I stepped in dog waste within 20 minutes and realized how impractical that was! I’ve invested in countless products promising to buff, peel, and erase you, each marketed as a miracle solution. I’ve even explored DIY hacks like Scotch tape and dissolved aspirin, carefully avoiding mixing the two, of course.

In a moment of acceptance, I’ve attempted to rebrand you as “smile lines” instead of “crow’s feet,” convincing myself that these lines are merely badges of joy. “These smile lines reflect all my happy moments!” I reassure myself while staring into the mirror, hoping to convince my reflection. But if the smile lines signify happiness, then my forehead lines would suggest I’m in a constant state of shock, and the ones around my lips indicate I’m perpetually pursing them like a disgruntled politician. No matter how hard I try, I can’t genuinely embrace your presence.

Sure, a dermatologist or plastic surgeon could potentially help you vacate my face. However, let’s be realistic—you’re not going anywhere. My heart might be longing for Botox, but my budget only allows for drugstore remedies. So, I’ll keep applying over-the-counter wrinkle creams and silly home remedies, slathering on sunscreen like it’s my armor, and giving myself pep talks about how your presence signals maturity and dignity.

I recognize that you are an inevitable part of aging. I understand I should be grateful to have reached an age where I can worry about you. But couldn’t you have waited until I’m eligible for senior discounts? Or at least until my teenage acne has finally left the building? Maybe I’ll just start telling people I’m 60; that way, I can impress them with how well I’ve aged.

In summary, I still have many years left with my face, and I would sincerely appreciate it if you could lighten up on your decorating duties. So do me a favor, take a break, and come back in a few decades. I might be more amenable to your presence then.

For more insights on navigating life’s changes, check out this resource about pregnancy, or explore this post for couples embarking on their fertility journey. If you’re considering home insemination, you might find this article helpful as well.

Keyphrase: Wrinkles and Aging

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