To think my 30's are going to be so much better than my 20s?

[MarchingFrog]

I am turning 30 soon. I am receiving a lot of sympathy, as well as the occasional "still single, I see" and even one "past 34, babies are pretty much a no go"!

Even those people who are not baby obsessed seem to feel that my youth has come to an end and it is all downhill now. The dye of my life is cast and I have to put up with it.

Thing is, I am really looking forward to the next few years. Whether I find true love, or not, or have a baby, or not - I feel much happier at this stage of my life than I ever have before.

In my 20's I was generally insecure and stressed. I was constantly trying to climb the next greasy pole and please people who I didn't necessarily like, only because I was too unsure to do anything else.

Now, it feels different. I know myself and who I want to be. I will not needlessly spend time doing things that do not make me happy. I have a job that I enjoy, but I have realised that my real ambition is to be a comedy writer. I am going to do everything I can to achieve that goal.

I have a little more disposable income, which I fully intend to spend doing things I want to do, if or until I have a family. I really feel like the next few years could be some of the most satisfying of my life.

I know that everything is circumstance dependent -but I would love to hear people's experiences of life post 30!

Turned 40 last year and have a 3 week old baby.... Might even have another!
Life has improved for me with every passing year - this one might be the best yet. I finally feel like I know myself and insecurities that plagued me in my 20s have all but disappeared.
Look forward to a happy future - a psychologist on the radio reinforced this theory as apparently mid 40s are when we reach peak happiness but then it maintains for rest of our lives rather than tailing off. Yay!!

My 30's were better than my 20's...and managed to have a much longed for 3rd baby at the grand old age of 38 . My 40's are shaping up to be even better than my 30's....I must confess I smile wryly at peeps who are all angsty about turning any age. My old granny (who lived to 93) always said "Why worry about ageing? The alternative is being dead!!" And I have much the same mindset. Age is a state of mind anyway - I think I was more sane and sober in my 20's than I am now

I've enjoyed my 30s more than my 20s so far, even though I've been very ill (now recovering) I have more self esteem and am more confident.

I still go out in the evening when I want to and generally enjoy life.
I now have my own home which I bought aged 30 which was lovely compared to flatsharing and renting.

I feel more confident in my appearance because I've finally got better dress sense too.

The only downside is that I'm still rubbish at meeting the right men and don't have a partner or a baby yet at 37 which is worrying me.

I though mine would be but then had DC3 and DC4 at 29 and 30 so it's probably going to be pretty much the same as my 20's I had DC1 at 19 and DC2 at 23. So another decade of being a SAHM.

I was widowed during my 30's, but personally, ignoring that, it was better than my 20's.

I you have had problems with PIV not getting you off, that usually changes. Most women say that sex gets better, it certainly did for me. Orgasms are stronger all over and multi

You are generally more confident and your peer group generally have all grown up, do the drama stops.

I did a BA in my 30's and lots if courses, started new hobbies etc. you do meet people old before their time, but leave them to it.

My 40's are even better, I'm re-qualifying myself again and looking after myself, so my energy levels are good. I've got plans that are short term and for the years to come (totally teen/child free!), so I will be able to please myself and I intend to.

You limit yourself through your mindset, age certainly doesn't.

YANBU. My 30s were better than my 20s, and my 40s have been better still. Roll on the 50s, not long now. I'm more confident, more stable both financially and emotionally, and generally doing more of what I want instead of worrying about what comes next. I had a little wobble at 35 when I convinced myself that I really should have my life completely sewn up, and then realised such a thing was never going to happen and would be boring if it did! You've got a fantastic attitude, OP, and I hope you have a lovely 30th celebration and make the most of your next decade, whatever it brings.

Thanks all! Feeling very inspired and encouraged. Roll on my thirties!

I lived life to its fullest in my twenties. Large disposable income, lots of travel, post grad study, trips with friends. In contrast my 30s have been domestic, boring and curtailed. I'm married with kids so I can't be selfish anymore (and do what I want to do). So I've settled for nights in front of the TV. I'd be 27 again in a flash if I could.

(just to put a downer on it)

I totally loved my 20s but can honestly say that my 30s have been amazing. Agree with the poster who said that each year is getting better & better.