to feel sad that I am getting older

[itwasmuchbetter]

Although I am happy with the way my life is - wouldn't change the dc, love my dh etc, I am feeling more and more sad that my youth has gone. I am 42 and feeling like no one will ever flirt with me again and I am just becoming middle aged. I have a good life, lots of great friends and family, I have hobbies I love. What's wrong with me?

I was terrified of turning 30, but now I am 39 I'm actually quite looking forward to turning 40. I feel like it's time to grow old (dis)gracefully.

I do find it strange when things from my youth are now 'retro' for example 90s fashion and music! I am still stuck in an 80s time warp music wise and always will be. They stopped making good music in 89!

Yes, I totally understand what you mean. I'm 42 and look back at being young, gorgeous and carefree with a real sense of sadness that I'll never be like that again.

Having said that, I am really happy with my lot. Wonderful kids and DH, nice home, good job, holidays etc etc. I've got everything I ever wanted to have but yes, I do wallow a bit now and then when I think of getting older.

OP, there is nothing wrong with you. Although several people have posted about their serious illnesses and of course they are right, you can't spend your whole life being grateful you don't have cancer, ms or some other awful disease. It's easy to feel wistful about ones youth...the fun the lack of responsibility and the freedom. Except in my case it was loaded with insecurities and a slight sense of inadequacy.

In fact by 40 I had a great dh, DC and a lovely home and felt very blessed. I felt how 40 is an age by which those things are much harder to achieve. I've grown in confidence and care much less what others think of me.

Look back with fondness on the good times ( sounds like you had a happy youth), enjoy this moment in time and look forward to more good times ahead. Happiness is not exclusive to the young and gorgeous and aren't we bloody lucky to live in a world where we can look the best we can should we wish to do so?

Totally.

I love my 5 month old DD to bits, and am v happy. But I do look at her sometimes and think that she has all the fun of school and university (if she wants) and being in her 20's to come, and it makes me v v nostalgic. I was 37 when I had her; I've had a very good run - but some part of me isn't quite ready to grow up yet, even now!

I think it's just part of getting older. Every part of life has its great bits to look forward to - and its shit bits.