I am very much no longer young

[StealthPolarBear]

I am turning forty this year and am having a mild and amusing mid life crisis.
Lots if little things, but the latest is that I've just tried to brush away a stubborn eye brow hair that was lodged just under my eye... It was a wrinkle.
I have also developed joint pain, in my thumb of all places.
Please tell me this is as bad as it gets :o

Thing is 7pip I’m kinda jealous of your dream. A well folder sweater is lovely. That would be a nice relaxing dream - apart from the getting chased bit. Imagine if you dream about folded sheets tonight

Parsley, please don't give my brain inspiration for nightmares.
I'm actually not taking the piss when I woke up at 4am this morning because I had found a sweater folded in a drawer. I did need to pee though.

What sort of brain conceives of such things? I think apart from folding an odd precious thing, I've never folded anything nicely.

Anyway, yes OP. I sort of had a wobble today. Because I have a diagnosis that is not nice. I'm middle aged I guess. And now I've just said fuck it! It's gonna take you out when it's your time. And there is fuck all you can do about it.

I am in my 40s now and nothing is much different for me than it was when I was in my 20s but that is probably because I could never be arsed with clubbing and I never really drank. I did just enough to know I had experienced it but I never enjoyed it much and always preferred and early night with a good book and a mug of cocoa. My idea of a fun day out has always been a rumage round some bookshops, tea and cake and an art gallery or the ballet and to be honest I mostly prefer to do these things alone! In that respect I don't feel much difference in getting older. I suppose things are less open now and I'm happily settled with my partner in our home so the sense that anything could be possible isn't as strong now but I remeber the flip side of such freedom was feeling lost and insecure. I still have dreams that challenge me and adventures planned though but just I'm not likey fall in love and run off with a stranger to NYC these days!

I’ve hugged Monty Don.

I also had a birthday on Saturday, I turned 49... my periods don't know if they're coming or going, my mind is going to pot and I have total mental blocks and just can't remember things and I rarely drink alcohol anymore because I just can't tolerate it!

7pip, hope you're OK and getting looked after

And happy birthday fuck face :)

In amongst orthopaedic pillows and fancying Monty Don (nah...never going to happen here). MsAwesomeDragon, your post is the stuff that actually keeps me up at night.

Being in the squeezed middle, of having 3 children (12, 11 and 8...youngest disabled) and a parent of late 70s (on their own, not great health)...sheesh.

Turning 40 passed in a haze as I was pregnant for the first time. 50 also as I moved to Australia, and also when I started going to music festivals for the first time.
Then 60 ......like flipping a bloody light switch. Everything ached. Fortunately all of it got resolved bar the knee, buggered by running, but it was terrifying at the time. I really thought is this it??

StealthPolarBear Take some photos now. In ten years time you'll be amazed how youthful you look when seen from the wreckage of later years :o

I used to work in a cafe and there was a woman in her eighties who used to come in looking fabulous. Makeup, small blonde beehive, lovely scarves and subtle perfume. That is my aim. However as im in my 30s, with no make up, frizzy hair, chapped lips and sloucy clothes it's not going to plan so far.

Looking for a tip. I have granny pants, but the time when feel true comfort is wearing dp's pants when I've been lazy with the washing. The only trouble is the penis hole and the very v, vol. I've googled and googled but can't find boy shorts for women. They were all the rage in the early aughts, where did they go? Anyone wear them? Or should I just buy men's and accept the ventilation of the penis hole?

• very v, vpl that should say.

@Movingtoplanetclanger I just put 'boxers for women' into google and loads came up

I've not tried that term, I'll give it a go maybe it's my algorithms that are out (I have no idea what algorithms are).

Well that's embrassing, you've immediately found the right phrase, thanks kaytee

I suppose you have struggles at any age. I'm nearly 32 and currently battling with letting go the last of my 20-something carefree, do and wear what I want years and instead trying to embrace my life now as a new mum focusing more on home improvements, practical footwear, comfier clothes and face cream! When I've mastered this I'll be in my 40s thinking ffs, I was so cool when I was 30! 😂

Have you developed an interest in gardening?

Uh oh... I'm 39 and I just bought a house with a garden and am so happy with it. I spend my evenings watching gardeners world and youtube videos of how to prune stuff.... my DH does the same thing...

@Movingtoplanetclanger

I don't feel old but attending a university open day (for me) I was asked if the 20 something next to me was my daughter! I was shocked! Which is daft as I am 25 years older than that (but no kids)

Moving ‘penis-hole’ - I’m really not brave enough to Google that in search of pants You could, erm, sew it up? (Pictures your DH’s face when he finds this out whilst desperate for a wee....)

burnoutbabe I don't think he uses it, he's very hygienic generally, but I guess they all do? I've never asked, not the sort of thing you text someone when they're at work, so I'll wait till he gets home.

I think I might buy some men's and sew the hole up. I've seen some lovely ones online but they're a bit pricey.

www.genderfreeworld.com/collections/underwear?page=2

www.myoddballs.com/collections/ladies-boxer-shorts

Might buy a pair or 2 of the testicular cancer ones on payday.

I often wonder what different life stages have coming up. I spent my twenties partying, working and travelling with DH, my early 30s buying a home, and creating two small children. My mid to late 30s are going to be spent being a sahm and raising the 2 small children - I must say I'm quite looking forward to my 40s and getting my life back a bit once they're both at school Even if I am/will be a bit fatter, saggier and aged.

Also at 35 I'm already wearing big knickers (once you do maternity do you ever go back?!) recently tried to do a night out in heels and wanted to cry by the end of it even though we were mostly sitting down and on the rare occasions I do go out want to go somewhere with the music at a sensible volume and have a comfy seat. My favourite things are either an early (uninterrupted) night with a good book or a really decent meal out with DH.

I'm also enjoying the increased confidence that being a little bit older brings, plus the general feeling of giving far less of a shit about what people think. It's liberating! I wouldn't go back in time for anything - even if I would like my old figure back!

Oops I meant Craftycorvid but yours was funny too burnoutbabe

I read motheroftinydragons's post as my young self, thinking all this was to come. Then I remembered I am older than her. And have older children. My brain hasn't caught up, it still thinks I'm 26.