Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be freaking out at turning 40.

107 replies

WAITthisIS40 · 07/08/2024 15:43

I am 40 next year, and it can't be true. I'm not ready!! I don't feel that age. I have recently noticed slight lines on the sides of my mouth, which i'm using retinol for, and the starts of neck sagging. I have a young looking neck, no rings, but all of a sudden a slight line downwards from under my chin has appeared! WTF. Is this it now? Am I classed as middle aged, well on my way to being a little old lady? I don't want my face to head South.

I was always used to being the youngest one, and now this is drastically changing! When I go out, I wonder do I look old. I hate the fasion now, and make comments about young girls going out naked, and that when I was that age there was a stomach or legs rule, we wore clothes, and our elders would complain about that. I am very slim, in good shape and feel fine, but then my body isn't the same as it was. I have to tone it more, esp my inner thighs, and bum. My hips are wider too.

I am sounding older by the day. I had dcs in my early 30's, was barely out my 20's, have finally emerged from the sleep deprived fog, and I am 39!! I don't look in my 20's any more like I used to. It's like most of my 30s have been a blur.

Does anybody else feel this way? Do you feel better once you pass 40? I never cared about 30, as it was close to 20s, but 40, flipping 40!! I have acouple of items of clothes older than some teenagers (when they actually used to make them with quality), ahh there I go again with my old dear complaining!

OP posts:
Janedoe82 · 07/08/2024 15:52

The good thing about turning forty is you genuinely stop giving a F what people think of you. I am early 40's, as are all my best friends, we absolutely no longer look young but we go out and have fun and do different sorts of things. Kids are well up so you get a second wind and start having freedom again.

JLT24 · 07/08/2024 15:52

I missed half my 30s being bedbound with illness which is thankfully better controlled now! About to have my first baby in a couple of months then turn 40 six weeks later! I personally can’t wait for this next chapter of my life. I have a good skin care routine, drink loads of water and have put botox on my gift wish list 😂 lots and lots to look forward to hopefully, raising baby, new career, new home and travelling lots! So so grateful to be able to do any of these things! I couldn’t really care less what age I am as long as I look well and more importantly feel good!

DappledThings · 07/08/2024 15:51

Nope. I was 45 this year. Age is just age, I'm perfectly happy.

I have some lines, plenty of greys. I think I look about my age. No desire to look younger than I am so have taken no action in that regard.

WAITthisIS40 · 07/08/2024 15:50

Janedoe82 · 07/08/2024 15:45

Three of my best friends died in their mid thirties of cancer. Puts things in perspective. Embrace life and be glad you have made it to 40.

I am so very sorry, I cannot imagine how utterly devastating that must have been. 💐

You are so right, I suspect with the next impending decade, I am feeling I am closer to death, scared about time flying faster with every decade. It is like a year feels like 6 months now.
Growing old is a priviledge though, you are absolutely right.

OP posts:
Qwertys · 07/08/2024 15:49

You are doing well if you only just now are starting to get lines by your mouth! I have loads of wrinkles and I’m younger. I try to remind myself I was very pretty in my 20s and didn’t realise it so I’m probably nicer looking now too than I realise. But yes, aging is hard.

Hillarious · 07/08/2024 15:49

Turning 40 really isn't a problem. Trust me.

Janedoe82 · 07/08/2024 15:45

Three of my best friends died in their mid thirties of cancer. Puts things in perspective. Embrace life and be glad you have made it to 40.

Swipe left for the next trending thread