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Original poster

What have you accepted about yourself as you've got older .

147 replies

GreenCandleWarmth · 04/04/2025 09:31

I'm late 30s and in a period of acceptance I suppose. I accept I'm a bit selfish. I accept that I have made major mistakes. I accept that I probably could be a better daughter, wife and employee but life is busy!

OP posts:
TheGaaTheSkaAndTheRa · 04/04/2025 16:39

That the NHS has totally botched my spine and I will never work or even walk properly again.

violincelloviola · 04/04/2025 16:50

This is a great idea for a thread! Some of the things I’ve accepted are…

• I am not ambitious and will never get satisfaction from progressing at work in the way others seem to.
• I’m fine with walking but hate standing and should never book standing tickets for anything, even if it’s something I really want to go to and it seems like a good deal.
• I care too much about getting positive feedback from others and this isn’t healthy, I need to have confidence in myself and my abilities.
• I am more organised than the majority of people.
• I am sometimes too independent/self-sufficient and not good at asking for help, even when I really should.
• I am naturally an introvert so need to plan in some time away from others. Too many social engagements in a week and I’m completely drained!

Abracadabra12345 · 04/04/2025 16:50

thisoldcity · 04/04/2025 15:02

So many of these things sound like me as well. I've accepted that my sense of direction is totally shit so I will get lost just about anywhere (except Milton Keynes, weirdly).

I remember a thread where so many MNetters talked of their total lack of direction - I felt wonderful, reading it as I’ve always lacked one!

I accept that I adore and secretly prefer solo holidays and outings, and I have a DH and AC. (Of course, I do go on holiday with family). I love a hotel room to myself when it’s tipping with rain outside and I give myself permission to stay in. Having said that, I love exploring an area at my own pace and whim.

I nurture my friendships - friendship is underrated but they have to be the right friends. I have one friend where we can be utterly honest with each other, knowing there will always be empathy and acceptance

BeneathTheSea · 04/04/2025 16:53

I accept all of my imperfections and am blessed not to be fearful of growing older.

Saltedcarameltiramisucheesecake · 04/04/2025 16:58

ScarletWitchM · 04/04/2025 15:02

Wait til your in your late 40’s when you don’t give a fuck about anything!

Wait till you're 60, no fucks left!

OxfordInkling · 04/04/2025 17:01

That I can just get on with life and not mask my autism traits. It’s just me and people can deal.

SusanSHelit · 04/04/2025 17:06

I like, cheese, cake, and cheesecake too much to ever be thin. I hate being hungry and not eating exactly what I want when I want even more than I hate being fat. It's fine. Got to die of something.

I won't own a house until my dm dies and even then it's not guaranteed.

I will only ever have one child

I prefer doing 99.9% of things alone, except for drinking, which I only ever do in company lest I go the way of too many of my relatives

CoralGraceRow · 04/04/2025 17:42

That my father isn’t interested in a relationship and actually for the first time in my life I am completely at peace with that and finally feel the same way!

ForFunGoose · 04/04/2025 17:45

That some
relationships/friendships are for a season
and not forever. When it’s over it’s ok to let it go, no need to keep trying.

CatrinVennastin · 04/04/2025 17:47

I’m 51 and I’ve accepted that I will never have a close relationship with my parents and how much better I feel now I don’t try to win their approval.

I just focus on my children and making sure they know they are loved.

Mickeychampionwhatgoodami · 04/04/2025 18:18

My prowess doing Northern soul dancing isn't what it is compared to 43+years ago.

Dogaredabomb · 04/04/2025 18:39

Pricelessadvice · 04/04/2025 13:46

That I don’t like going out at night and that’s ok. I don’t want to go to pubs or bars or have nights out.
I felt guilty and ‘boring’ all my adult life for it, but now I realise it’s absolutely fine. I’m very active during the day and work full time, so if I want to chill at home in the evenings I am allowed to.

Yes! I love to be in my pyjamas by 6pm.

MummytoE · 04/04/2025 18:40

I accept that I look my age. I'm comfortable with that and not wasting time and money chasing a younger look

KIlliePieMyOhMy · 04/04/2025 18:41

My face always gives away what I am thinking.
I will never touch my toes.
I don't like many people.

Arraminta · 04/04/2025 19:34

Genuinely, that nothing tastes as good as being slim feels (recently lost 3 stones on Mounjaro).

That I love living in my privileged, affluent, middle class bubble. Yes, I know this presumably makes me a bad person, but I actually just don't care.

That I will never enjoy warm, sunny Summer days. I heartily dislike BBQs or picnics or any type of outdoor socialising in hot weather. In fact I bloody hate it. If I could live permanently in a crisp, misty October day I would be very happy.

LifeBeginsToday · 04/04/2025 19:40

That I can do almost anything I put my mind to. Just writing my dissertation now and finishing my part time degree next month.

I decided I wanted to learn to sing so I've been taking lessons for a few years. Last weekend I was surrounded by children waiting for their turn while I took my grade 3 singing test.

Late 30s now and zero cares. If I want to learn it, or pursue it, I will.

PutMyWinterCoatAway · 04/04/2025 19:58

That the abuse I ensured during my childhood has probably fucked me for life.

PutMyWinterCoatAway · 04/04/2025 19:59

Oh and I have no sense of direction either! I can't blame the abuse for that, that's just annoying!

Scar88 · 04/04/2025 20:00

I've accepted than I'm too busy to be a good friend. Also that my 20 year old body is long gone, although I will mourn her forever Grin

WisePearlPoet · 04/04/2025 20:04

Barbadossunset · 04/04/2025 13:37

I will never be able play the Minute Waltz.
I can’t afford Botox or a face lift so I have to accept I look like Keith Richard.
I will probably never have a Pomeranian.

I have a Pomeranian, it's not all its cracked up to be...
Keith Richards is cool

abracadabra1980 · 04/04/2025 20:10

I'm exactly the same as @Visun
I have a rough 2hr social battery which then totally drains. I can literally run out of wherever I am to get home if it's any longer. That goes for family and friends.
I've had to put in boundaries the last couple of years due to the expectations of family and my ailing parent. It was hard as like others, I've always been a people pleaser. I'm now pleasing ME. I'd like to spend this Xmas alone, so I will. Just me and my doggos.

After two exH, I now live alone (2 dogs and a cat) which I absolutely love-I had no idea when younger that I am so much happier living alone. I plan my own things in my own time, hardly ever cook, never iron, choose my holidays, watch whatever I earn on TV.. the list is endless.
Physically I am ok with my face, but very unhappy with my extra 3/4 stone round my stomach most menopause. I've always been 'slight' and that gets me down, but I do scape I'm healthy and that in itself is a blessing as my bff died from breast cancer age 51. And I've since lost 4 other under 55yrs acquaintances. It does put things into perspective.

WonderingWanda · 04/04/2025 20:13

I cannot sing. I am not sporty. I will never be skinny.

researchers3 · 04/04/2025 20:18

PaintYourAssLikeRembrandt · 04/04/2025 09:35

I'm in my 40s and I've accepted that I'm just not a very good friend.

I struggle staying in touch with anyone on a regular basis, if someone needs a favour then Im more than happy to do it, but I cant deal with the expectations of friendships, so I've stopped making friends and life is much easier.

I'm a really good friend but pretty crap at almost everything else!! 😏

newyearsresolurion · 04/04/2025 20:18

I've realised that I love my own company. I drop my kids at school go swimming, catch up on housework while talking to myself and listening to music. Interacting with people at work is enough. I don't meet up with anyone for 'coffee' got no time.