For context I was considered a looker in my younger days, modelled for a few years, always had fellas interested, took an interest in my own appearance. It was never enough though. I always felt I had to keep it up. That my looks made me who I was in a way. I went to university, had a career, brought up a family, had a comfortable life but always had to have one eye on being ‘attractive’ and ‘looking after myself’. It’s just the way we are socialised and the shallow expectations foisted on us though isn’t it? I’m 57 now and God how much easier life is! Being older has allowed me the confidence/freedom to jump off the merry go round. I wear comfy clean classic clothes, often the same few outfits over and over again. My hair is largely grey and is short ( cut it myself!) Just needs a quick brush of a morning now. I don’t wear makeup anymore and I literally rinse my face, roll on some deodorant of a morning and I’m ready. Compared to how I used to carry on - this is utter bliss. Cakes, biscuits, choccy bars, pies and pastries have no guilty after taste now either! I don’t know what made me give up all the fuss and faff, perhaps it’s been sort of gradual but oh my! I’m glad I did. Far more time and mental energy for things that I actually want to do now. I still have the same friends, the same job, the same life - people treat me exactly the same. Well the people who matter anyway. Who knew life could be this much better and happier when you hit the higher numbers! Does anyone else feel like this or am I being smugly ‘unreasonable’ 🤣.