Page 3 | Miss being young

Misssf · 2023-12-22T07:40:54+00:00

I’m not old, I’m 38. But I miss the days of being fearless, having hope in a way I don’t these days because I know how brutal life can be. I’m not a misery (I don’t think!) but life was different then. Light, free, full of expectation of the future. I know there’s good bits about being older but I just miss that feeling of being young. Does it eventually stop?

DancingLions · 21/07/2025 11:41

I'm in my 50s and lots of things about aging don't actually bother me.
The one thing I struggle with is that nothing is likely to change now. I'll probably never move house again, or get a different job or start a new relationship.

Sure, theoretically I could do any of those things. But if I did, I'd be doing it for the "hit" of excitement and I know there's a 99% chance I'd regret it long term. I am happy with my life but I do miss the possibilities of youth. Especially I think because when I was young in the 80s, the opportunities were less than they are now and/or I didn't know about them. I'd be pursuing a very different life to the one I have, if I was young now.

Ihad2Strokes · 21/07/2025 11:48

I understand his you feel, I actually found my 39th very hard!

but I implore you to enjoy the youth you have (that you're currently not seeing) and do the things you want to do!!

I am now 55, my life got detailed massively by Covid, then an accident & this year a couple of strokes (together) I have been left disabled and unable to do very much.

yeah it's horrible when you realise you're not really young & carefree anymore, but please don't let it take away from what you DO have.

❤️

Ihad2Strokes · 21/07/2025 11:58

ManchesterMama1 · 20/07/2025 22:11

Yes to this!

I’m 42 and had a nostalgic dance party with my 7 year old daughter earlier to Grease 1 and 2, Dirty Dancing and the audition scene from Save the Last Dance.

It reawoke memories in me when I was young, free, energetic and the world was so full of possibilities. I felt optimistic and believed in people before I’d really been let down.

I’m also generally happy with my lot but the last few years have kicked my arse, I gave up alcohol and improve my health and life has been very heavy and hard at times from birth traumas and friendship fallouts to losing both my parents.

I think it’s ok to have nostalgia for a time when I we were carefree and naieve and not yet tainted by the huge responsibility and heartache of what being a grown up can be!

Of course I’m sure women my age who have lived through little adversity don’t feel the same. In fact my boss is one of them and I admire her zest for life still, her wire circle of friends and the fact she somehow still parties and boozes and socialises most weekends!

ZOMBIE

WHY??

Why did you revive a ZOMBIE thread???

KnitFastDieWarm · 21/07/2025 12:10

god no, I’m 38 and vastly prefer being this age! I have very fond memories of tipsy nights out and adventures as a teen and twentysomething but i’ve got no desire to repeat those thing now. I still chat to strangers in cafes and pubs, learn new things, try new experiences, and try and maintain a generally positive and grateful attitude to the world. I also know my own mind and what I want, and am much quicker these days to sever connections or leave circumstances that don’t add to my life. I’m certainly not a permanently cheery or bouncy person but I’m generally curious, open and optimistic about the world and it’s a transformative formative way to live.

As marcus aurelius put it, ‘when you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.’

AnPiscin · 21/07/2025 12:56

It's a strongly held belief of mine that different ages suit different people. My DD hated being a baby/small child but is thriving as a teenager. My DS is the exact opposite - great baby/child, hating being a teenager. I was a fab teenager too, had a shit time in early 20s, loved loved loved my 30s and am now having a rough time in my 40s. I'm hoping 50s will be my decade again!

One thing to consider (despite your young age) is whether you're drifting into perimenopause? I definitely started at 39 and that's a big part of the problem for me. If the hormone change doesn't suit you it gives you a rather grim outlook on life.

ManchesterMama1 · 22/07/2025 22:11

Ihad2Strokes · 21/07/2025 11:58

ZOMBIE

WHY??

Why did you revive a ZOMBIE thread???

Show quote history

I mean why not?!

ManchesterMama1 · 22/07/2025 22:12

KnitFastDieWarm · 21/07/2025 12:10

god no, I’m 38 and vastly prefer being this age! I have very fond memories of tipsy nights out and adventures as a teen and twentysomething but i’ve got no desire to repeat those thing now. I still chat to strangers in cafes and pubs, learn new things, try new experiences, and try and maintain a generally positive and grateful attitude to the world. I also know my own mind and what I want, and am much quicker these days to sever connections or leave circumstances that don’t add to my life. I’m certainly not a permanently cheery or bouncy person but I’m generally curious, open and optimistic about the world and it’s a transformative formative way to live.

As marcus aurelius put it, ‘when you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.’

Edited

Love this!