To ask when you felt like you were in your ‘prime’?

[Cryingmakesmecry]

Interested to see when people have felt most in their prime as I’ve always considered early 20s to be ‘prime years’. I’m now 27 and definitely feel like early 20s was not my prime! It was riddled with anxiety, fear of other people’s opinions, poor motivation and dating someone in their late 40s

I know care way less about what others think and can do stuff that I wouldn’t have been able to do when was younger like go out to eat on my own, go jogging in the street. I also barely wear makeup now whereas 5 years ago I wouldn’t even go to the corner shop without it on!

Not sure if this can be considered ‘feeling in my prime’, but I definitely feel more comfortable in my own skin and hope it continues increasing.

So when would you consider your ‘prime’ age?

[FindingNeverland1]

17-23 for me. I was very pretty and had loads of friends. I'm 30 now and don't feel ugly but I know i'm no longer a hottie 😂. And I have far fewer friends these days too. Less going on, other than childcare. Not my prime.

[cologne4711]

Not sure I ever had a "prime" to be honest.

[ManxomeFoe]

I'm hoping mine is yet to come. When I was 25 I was fit and beautiful and in a career I loved with loads of friends and hobbies but in an abusive and unhealthy relationship, so I don't think that was my prime.
A decade later I have two young children and my body, sanity, identity, career and finances are ruined.
Fingers crossed in another decade I'll have rebuilt my fitness and career and found a new sense of self, and will then be in my prime!

[Waxonwaxoff0]

Now. I'm 30, a single parent and life is good. I cared too much about what people thought of me in my early 20s, don't give a shit now.

I had DS young so when I'm 40 he'll be an adult with his own life. I'm looking forward to that stage too.

[honeylulu]

18-30. I took a while to grow into my looks as a teen.

Then at 30 I became a mother. I only realise looking back but I was far too thin, my hair was thinner for years and shorter than suited me. I also wore more practical, less glamorous clothes (including for work) because I didn't really think about it.

Oddly when I was 43 I became a partner at work and much more visible. I had some advice from a life coach and really smartened/glammed up, wearing fitted dresses, heels and really good bras and make up. I felt amazing and had loads of compliments. I was also a stone heavier than I'd been in my 30s and it really suited me. I felt like I'd had a second prime. Lasted maybe 3 years, then lockdown hit. I now feel like I've aged 10 years and live in lycra and flip flops!!! Oh well it was good while it lasted.

[BatleyTownswomensGuild]

At 25 I was slim, had gorgeous hair, great teeth, never had backache etc. But emotionally I was a bit of a mess.

At 45, have gum disease, a wonky thyroid, fallen arches and am perimenopausal. But emotionally a definitely steadier.
I take a lot less shit from others now.

[KarlKennedysDurianFruit]

27 to 34, I was at my fittest, I got a number of promotions, sold my flat, bought a lovely family home, got married, travelled a lot, social life was great, then I had a baby and now I'm fat and exhausted, we never have any time for ourselves, work has been made much harder due to Covid and juggling childcare and we can't just jump on a plane on a whim at the weekend! I'm hoping I get my life back at some point. DS is totally worth it though

[MattBerrysHair]

Probably now. I'm 38. I'm physically active, eat clean and practise mindfulness most days so I'm healthier in body and mind than I've ever been. I have good relationships and a great work-life balance. I'm content and at peace with myself.

However, if we're basing it on looks then it was age 30-34 when I still dyed my hair and before the fine lines started to appear. I was suffering from depression and anxiety though, so I don't consider that period of my life to be my prime. Give me grey hair, laughter lines and jowels over that any day!

[Wallywobbles]

At 40 I was a powerhouse.

[WilsonMilson]

30’s for sure, mid thirties was my best. It’s all gone to shit since 40.

[Pikachubaby]

@SarahBellam I hope that my kind of 48 grows into your kind of 52

These are good years IMO

[copperoliver]

30s the best time. X

[Pikachubaby]

Physically? Esthetically? Mentally? Careerwise?

48, 27, 48, 48

[HelplessProcrastinator]

Late teens to late 20s. Lost the total lack of confidence I had a school from being overweight. I got chatted up anyway as I have a pretty face and throw myself into having fun on a night out. Since having DC1 at 33 I’m back to crippling anxiety. She’s been challenging and I’ve lost a lot of confidence in myself. I’m overweight but my face looks pretty good for a 46 year old.

[Newbracelet]

40s

[Redraptor]

Now. I'm 30 have two young daughters. I'm the fittest I've ever been and happiest.

I remember being in my early 20s, I was thinner but rarely exercised. I went out and partied lots like everyone else, and yes I had a good time but even at the time I couldnt wait for that era to be done. Going out now involves a meal and drink or two then home by 11 which suits me perfectly. I used to love visiting NT and EH but friends would take the mick but now I'm 30 its totally fine

[Lottapianos]

'Now. I'm 40. I look a million times better than I did in my 20s and 30s. Plus I'm incredibly confident in myself now. I know I look good, and I don't care if that sounds big headed!'

Exactly the same here! It shocks me how sad and lost and lonely I was in my 20s and 30s, when I was kidding myself that I was having a good time. And I look a thousand times better than I did at 21 (discovered healthy eating and exercise, and cut way back on booze in my 30s)

So great to hear lovely things about being in your 50s too

[Tenner]

early 40s.

[RichPetunia]

Physically early 30s. Mentally, now.

[houseymcmousey]

Late 30's. Kids were older, I was going to the gym regularly so in the best shape health wise, and I had the confidence I was lacking in my 20's.

[CuntyMcBollocks]

Based on looks then I'd say my 20's, but even though my looks have faded, I have much more confidence in myself and just don't give a shit what others think of me any more. I'm almost 36 now.

[QueenofmyPrinces]

I’m almost 37 and would love to go back to the era where I was between 16-25. My life was so much fun then - I was young, felt sexy, did as I wished, enjoyed my freedom etc. I get very nostalgic when I think of it and I miss that kind of life.

[SarahBellam]

I’m 52. Now is the prime of my life. My kids are in their teens and more independent, I am in a very happy and satisfying long term relationship, financially independent, have a good career - and I’ve stopped chasing promotions and spent that spare time and energy volunteering for a charity. I’ve got some really good, high quality friends and I’m really happy. I’d love to be a couple of stone lighter and I’m working in that (8lbs down last month) so everything is going in the right direction. I was very pretty in my 20-30s and I wish I’d realised it at the time and I wouldn’t have been so insecure, but I’m holding up well. Your 50s is a time when your genetics and lifestyle really starts to show on your face and so far, touch wood, I’ve been lucky.

[Katjolo]

Early 20s

[pollyglot]

50s are definitely the best. Top of my game professionally, lost lots of weight, post-kids, and time to be me. Great new marriage and a whole new physical awakening. 60s are pretty good too, though the aches do start to catch up a bit. Never despair if you are still in your youth, i.e. 30s-40s - it can only get better!