If you’ve learned how to say “no” and you value the quality of your friends over the quantity, you’ve achieved middle-aged levels of wisdom (no matter what your real age is).
There’s an article called “The Secret Life of 40-year-olds” that’s attracted a tidal wave of comments online this week. Published in The Telegraph on Monday, the piece argues that there should be a documentary-style television program detailing what it’s really like to be middle-aged (much like popular UK show The Secret Life of Four-Year-Olds, you see.)
In the piece, columnist Sali Hughes lists a few key points that would need to be included in any such program — and her suggestions are so spot-on that they’re likely to resonate with any woman nearing middle age.
Her hilariously on-point suggestions include the following pearls of wisdom about life as an older (and wiser) woman:
“We say no to all manner of things that we might have previously have accepted.”
“This includes any social engagement that requires standing up for extended periods,” Hughes explains.
“We want fewer, but better, friends.”
“I simply don’t have the time to spend on crazies (a madness score of up to 7/10 is within normal range), untrustworthy gossips or joy-sappers,” she quips.
“We can say sorry.”
“I am able to say I made a mistake. I make hundreds. I know I’m often wrong about things and I’m happy to say so because the belligerent are completely unbearable company.”
“Fashion becomes complicated.”
Hughes admits that she has, “for the first time in [her[ life, stopped to consider the concept of ‘mutton dressed as lamb’.”
Top Comments
there are so many ways to be 40! the only thing i would say is that you really must get serious about exercise if you haven't before now. one of the best things is having more money and getting what you want. how i love business class travel...
I am back at uni at 43, feeling a bit older but nothing too significant (the young people are much more relatable than I thought!), though just found out that I am older than a girl in my group project's mother! Yikes! I don't feel that old! I thought we were 'peers'... !