I’m nearing my 40s. Yes, forty. It’s hard to grasp. This age often prompts reflection, where people share wisdom about why 40 is the new 30 and how age is merely a number. I might share my own thoughts when I officially hit that milestone, but today, I’m curious about some lingering issues I thought I’d left behind.
First and foremost, why, at almost 40, do I still deal with acne? I’ve got two kids, a mortgage, and thankfully, no student loans hanging over my head. I’ve got wrinkles and likely gray hairs—if only I could see them without my glasses. So why is the universe determined to gift my adult face with breakouts? It’s reminiscent of an elderly woman sporting fake breasts—just doesn’t seem right. Yes, hormones are the usual suspects, but it’s simply not fair. I endured teenage acne with the belief I would eventually outgrow it. Acne in your late 30s—no matter how minor—is just plain unjust.
I also wonder why I still can’t find any alone time. Growing up, I shared a room with my sister and lived with five other people. As a teenager, I craved solitude to brood over braces and unrequited crushes—dreaming of my future, where I could indulge in all the private reflection I wanted. Fast forward to adulthood: now, I can’t even go to the bathroom without a running commentary. “Are you peeing? Can I watch?” No one warned me that achieving privacy as an adult requires hiding miles away from home, possibly blindfolded and equipped with earplugs. Even then, guilt creeps in, ruining my pseudo-private moments. So the next time your teenager laments about a lack of privacy, remind them, “Tough luck.” It’s just preparation for adulthood.
Why do I still care about others’ opinions? I thought I’d eventually outgrow this concern, just like my skin issues. Yes, I’ve learned to embrace my true self, and I recognize that not everyone will like me. Still, I can’t help but wonder why that other mom hasn’t reached out. Maybe we could be friends! I know people claim they don’t care what others think, but if they truly reflect, can they say they’re unaffected at all? Isn’t caring about others’ opinions a natural human trait? Shouldn’t we be honest with our kids about this instead of shaming them for it?
And let’s not forget the naivety of wishing for adult treatment. As a youth, I craved the respect of adulthood. But now that I’m here, I realize being treated like an adult is often more stressful than I imagined. So when your teenager complains about wanting adult treatment, flip the script and ask them to treat you like a teen. Plead with them to send you to your room, away from technology, and just sit in silence. Don’t forget to sneak in a bottle of wine for good measure. Enjoy, you’re welcome!
Then there’s the whole drinking thing. As a young adult, I eagerly anticipated the sophistication of sipping Merlot at dinner parties. Now, one glass can lead to me face-planting into my meal from sheer exhaustion. I realize there’s a direct link between how much I drink and the recovery time I need—days, not hours—before I feel normal again. Talk about cruel irony.
Do I wish to relive those uncertain youthful days? Absolutely not! However, I do wish a wise, fun-loving woman in her late 30s had candidly shared the truth with me back then. Now, I’m just looking for some Stridex pads to tackle my adult acne in front of my impromptu audience.
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Summary
As I approach my 40s, I ponder lingering adolescent issues such as acne, lack of privacy, and the persistent concern for others’ opinions. Despite the expectations that adulthood would solve these problems, they remain challenges in my life. From the stress of being treated like an adult to the harsh reality of drinking, the transition to adulthood isn’t quite as glamorous as I imagined.
Keyphrase: adult acne and aging
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