Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

As you get older, what do you appreciate more?

28 replies

TitaniasAss · 30/07/2025 22:29

Aside from your loved ones? Although I've included mine as I couldn't not!

As a twenty something, my life revolved around socialising and clubs etc. I was rarely on my own and craved company as I thought it was what I needed at all times in case I felt lonely. I remember my aunt back in the 80s saying that people were never content and I remember thinking 'i'll never be like that I want more!'

I bought a flat in my mind 20s (long time ago) and realised that I like being on my own and actually need solitude sometimes. Fast forward to marriage and children and that all went by the by and now, as I reach my late 50s (which, imo is a great time of life) I need much less than I thought I would:
DS and DD to be safe and happy, DH around (when he's not getting on my nerves 😂), my friends who I love from my bones and couldn't do without, my sister (my best friend) and her family, my beautiful dog, a good book, my phone and a nice wine. I'm automatically including our very average but lovely home in all this and it's made me realise that I need much less to be content than I ever thought I would when I was younger. Contentment is so underrated and feels wonderful.

I'm aware that this sounds very self absorbed and I don't mean it to. I've been through so many bereavements, cancer, my own family's life limiting conditions etc., but I think I've just realised that, compared to many, I'm very lucky and I'm truly grateful.

OP posts:
caringcarer · 31/07/2025 00:05

As a teacher I often had to go to work with a dreadful sore throat. Now I've retired if I wake up with a sore throat which I do tend to sometimes I am filled with huge relief I can have a soluble disprin to gargle and stay in bed.

WanderingWisteria · 31/07/2025 00:09

My own pillow.

MatLeave · 31/07/2025 00:11

Time by myself, although it doesn't happen too often but I savour it. Time with my friends makes me feel free. Days out as a family. A clean nice home makes me feel relaxed and having a holiday booked to look forward to.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page