It’s not just about vanity that I occasionally misrepresent my age. (Okay, maybe a smidge of vanity!) My main reason for keeping my age under wraps is a moment I witnessed at my daughter’s dance class. A little girl, no more than three, boldly declared her mom was 47. Her mother’s face froze in that classic, mortified smile we all wear in such moments. I decided then and there that I would not disclose my actual age to my kids. I won’t allow any awkward announcements to happen in a public space again. However, I know that this little deception won’t last long; their math skills are improving at lightning speed.
Putting my fibs aside, being in your 40s does come with certain perks:
Nostalgia for Old Gadgets
You can effortlessly identify the relics from yesteryears posted on social media. When you see a picture of an old gadget, you’re expected to “like” it if you recognize it. But really, what’s the point? These posts only serve to remind those who remember these items just how old they are. And nostalgia? That’s just a term older folks use to reminisce about their past!
Backhanded Compliments
You’re often on the receiving end of backhanded compliments. You know the ones: “You look fantastic for someone in their 40s!” Here’s a little tip for those giving compliments: if you have to add a qualifier, it’s not a genuine compliment. Another classic: “I hope I look that good at your age.” All I hear is, “I’m so much younger than you.”
Gaming Controllers
You remember when gaming controllers had a single orange button and a joystick. Those were the days! Now, I look at today’s controllers and feel utterly lost with their plethora of buttons and obscure symbols. Just give me that one orange button, please!
Oldies Radio Stations
You find your favorite songs on the oldies radio station. The first oldie I heard was “Every Breath You Take” by The Police, followed by U2. These weren’t on the easy-listening channels but on the “Mr. Sandman” station meant for grandmas! And yes, I still listen to actual radio stations – I might be in my 40s, but I’m keeping up with the times.
Chic Pool Cover-Ups
Your collection of adorable pool cover-ups is impressive. I love swimming, but wearing a swimsuit around the young and carefree? No thanks! Instead, I opt for chic cover-ups that make me feel fabulous. Who cares if my stomach isn’t as flat as it used to be when I can rock a cover-up that looks like it belongs in a high-fashion ad? Besides, today’s bathing suits can be a bit too revealing for my taste, especially when it comes to showing off my C-section scar.
The Art of Faxing
You possess the ancient and nearly-forgotten skill of faxing. If you played the sound of a fax machine for anyone under 20, they’d probably look at you like you were speaking another language!
Making Mixtapes
You’ve made a real mixtape—not just a digital playlist—using your boom box. We know the struggle of timing it just right to avoid those annoying clicks!
Skiing with Confidence
You can ski with confidence. You can snowplow, perform a stem Christie, and maybe even parallel ski (good luck to the snowboarders trying to keep up).
Understanding Thongs
You remember when “thongs” referred to those cute sandals instead of the underwear that became a fashion statement. It was a struggle to adjust my vocabulary when I accidentally asked my boss to grab my “thongs” one day!
Botox and Aging
You know Botox was once known as a poison, not a beauty treatment. I can see my “angry 11s” as I type this, but I’m proud of them. I’ve earned these lines through years of life experiences and a fair bit of stress, and I’m not ready to inject anything into my face.
Recognizing Good Service
You can spot a server who deserves a generous tip. My husband and I were carded while ordering sake, and while we looked good, we were nowhere close to being that young! As we fished out our IDs, I resisted the urge to point out my crow’s feet—and he held back from showcasing his receding hairline. Regardless of why we were carded, we tipped well!
So, it’s clear there are many advantages to being in your 40s. Honestly, it could be a lot worse. Every day above ground is a gift. Would I consider draining the youthful energy from a twenty-something? Not just yet. But I might ask her to be my stand-in at the next pool party I attend.
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Summary
In your 40s, you gain wisdom and a unique perspective on life, along with amusing perks such as nostalgia for old technology, the ability to navigate life’s little challenges, and an understanding of societal changes. Embrace your age, enjoy the journey, and always keep a sense of humor!
Keyphrase: perks of being in your 40s
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