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Original poster

I feel really weird about turning 40. Anyone experienced similar?

36 replies

ChubbyLubby · 30/04/2026 17:07

I'm turning 40 in July.

I feel really strange about it. I don't usually put much stock in age or particularly celebrate my birthday. But this year feels slightly different. Perhaps its because people keep asking what I'm doing, how I'm feeling, what I want for my 'big birthday'.

I can't put my finger on why I feel weird.
I've been planning early retirement so that might also be part of it.
I keep thinking about my mum being widowed at 44.

I don't think I'm having a mid-life crisis. I'm really happy with everything in my life. I'm not in menopause (blood test recently). I don't have know what's going on.

I feel kind of adrift. I feel very 'mortal' 😅I can't think of how to describe it.
Has anyone else had these kind of odd feelings at this age? What the fuck's going on?

OP posts:
LassiKopiano24 · Yesterday 14:54

Dontlletmedownbruce · Yesterday 14:52

@LassiKopiano24 you feel like your youth is over because it is!

i think this can really hit people in late 30s or turning 40. It's scary, it's not old obviously but it is no longer young. It's ok to have a bit of a wobble and then you just accept and move on.

No don’t say its true 😂😂 Let me be happy in my delusion I’m still a youngster!

HelpBlueOrRed · Yesterday 14:55

I cried my eyes out the day before my 40th. Felt old as fuck.

Joeythehurler · Yesterday 14:56

No but I did when I was 50.

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Yuja · Yesterday 15:19

I turned 40 end of last year. I’ve found it really difficult psychologically! I’m actually really happy with my life but it feels like it’s passing fast and there is still so much I haven’t done. That said, I’ve chosen to channel this into my career and am making good progress on this.

Ineedanewsofa · Yesterday 15:25

ChubbyLubby · Yesterday 14:41

Your post really resonated with me. Thank you. I feel the best I've ever felt in my life. Life is the best its ever been for all sorts of reasons. I'm looking forward to the coming years.

In some ways I think my issue is that I can't quite square that feeling of energy and optimism with being 40. I mean, I feel like I need another hundred years to enjoy it 😅

Show quote history

I get it @ChubbyLubby, I’m 42 and finally feel “ready” but I’ve done all the big stuff (house, marriage, kids, career) and I’m happy with those so I don’t know what I’m ready for?!

iamnotalemon · Yesterday 15:25

I did as it’s such a milestone, particularly as I was still single. Yet here I am 5 years later and suddenly turning 40 doesn’t feel so bad 🤣

FoxRedPuppy · Yesterday 15:35

I’m 45 today and I have loved my 40s. Best decade so far!

I’m not that bothered about getting older/aging though. Growing older is a privilege!

ainsleysanob · Yesterday 15:38

ChubbyLubby · Yesterday 14:41

Your post really resonated with me. Thank you. I feel the best I've ever felt in my life. Life is the best its ever been for all sorts of reasons. I'm looking forward to the coming years.

In some ways I think my issue is that I can't quite square that feeling of energy and optimism with being 40. I mean, I feel like I need another hundred years to enjoy it 😅

Show quote history

Medicine is always moving on - perhaps you will have another 100 years!

I made two promises to myself when I turned 40:

Stop being nice to people who don’t deserve it.

Get all the tattoos and piercings I wanted but thought ‘I shouldn’t get’!

I’ve kept my promises. I don’t waste time on eejits anymore and I got all the tattoos - I look like Maui from Moana now!

Original poster
ChubbyLubby · Yesterday 15:38

FoxRedPuppy · Yesterday 15:35

I’m 45 today and I have loved my 40s. Best decade so far!

I’m not that bothered about getting older/aging though. Growing older is a privilege!

Happy birthday!!

I agree, ageing is a privilege!

OP posts:
Disturbia81 · Yesterday 22:18

ainsleysanob · Yesterday 10:42

Dya know what? I’m 42 and when I turned 40 I felt the same. But since then Iv actually felt better than I ever have before. I look better, I dress better. I’m healthier and 40 is not what it was when we were young, when we thought our mothers were ancient.

Despite being as old as I have ever been, Iv never felt younger.

I agree, feel so much more confident, attractive, better person, more sexual than I ever have. 40s has been my best decade by far and I’ve had a good life

DrCoconut · Yesterday 22:51

FoxRedPuppy · Yesterday 15:35

I’m 45 today and I have loved my 40s. Best decade so far!

I’m not that bothered about getting older/aging though. Growing older is a privilege!

I agree that getting old is a privilege but my 40s have been shocking. My health and life just disintegrated. My 30s were the best when things were still going well 😫 It won't be like this for everyone of course. OP may well have a fab time being 40.

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