AIBU to say the 40s are the best decade?

[Whatssheonaboutagain]

We were at a wedding the other week of some friends who have been together about 20 years (2 teen boys) and it just struck me how much better and happier everyone now is in their 40s, compared to the last bout of weddings when we were all late 20s / 30s. Everyone is out of the “nappies / whinging toddler phase of the 30s” and consequently no longer shattered. People know who they are and what they’re about - be it SAHM or career- types. A lot of men get better with age and, in any case, they no longer feel the need to prove themselves all the time. The women know their style and still look fabulous. Mostly they fit into clothes they wore 20 years ago, but more importantly they wouldn’t want to and they don’t care. Plus everyone is just generally more interesting and pleasant company.

Also we’re on holiday at the moment and I love the fact that the kids (10, a tween and a teen) can occupy themselves and are generally great company and fun to be around. No more buggies, food-fussiness, tantrums and daytime naps.

AIBU to claim that the 40s are the best decade?

YABU to talk about "everyone" being at the same life-stage in their 40s. Some are single, some are coming to terms with never having children, some have managed to find a partner "just in time" to try for a baby, some are in same-sex relationships and don't want to pursue fertility treatment, etc., etc. There's a whole world out there beyond your particular reality, even if it is the "norm".

ShatnersWig. Do you think the act is fooling everyone then? As it doesn't sound like it's working for you. People confiding in you might be a case of misery loves company for both parties involved.

@Vitalogy I am, so they tell me, a very good listener who doesn't give facile advice but if advice is sought I don't tell them what they want to hear, or tell them what I would do if it were me - because they aren't me. I base any advice on who they are having known them for 20+ years. And apparently I don't ever judge and they know what they tell me goes no further.

I save all the facile judgemental shit for Mumsnet!

I've not read the full thread but I'll be where the OP is by my early to mid 30s.
One child will be a teen when I'm 30 and the other will be a teen when I'm 35. Career wise I'll hopefully be in a promoted position.

By the time I'm early 40s one child will be an adult and the other a late teen. By mid 40s both will be adults and hopefully living their own lives, having flown the nest and beginning their own journeys.

I think maybe give it until you're further into your 40s OP - for me 42 was whole different place to 49 when the peri-menopause hit me like a tonne of bricks!