At which age were you the ‘Real you’ the most?

[Thenversusnow]

I was reading an interview with one of my favourite authors, she often writes about the teenage years and the intensity of female friendships at that age. She said she enjoys writing about this, because of all the stages she’s been through…child, teen, young career woman, mother and so on…she still feels that those teens years and the person she was then is the closest to the real her. I feel the same about myself.
Hope this makes sense

At what age/stage in your life were you the realest you?

Now in middle age.

I would say more as a child if I'm completely honest.

I’d say now, 50’s. I am being myself now. If people don’t like me, that’s their loss. I’m happy with my looks, personality and my life. I’m the least insecure I’ve ever been.

Now. 50s. Teenage years were messy. I wouldn't go there again.

Now at 49.

I don't really understand how anyone could be a better or truer version of yourself when you are young, illness aside perhaps.

The best thing is realising you are enough just as you are.

The freedom and energy of my mid 20s but with the wisdom of now 54

I was trying to think when I was the real me. I’m 73 and there are many versions of the real me, depending on my role. The best me takes care of everyone. She often gets misunderstood.

I think I've always been the 'most real' me, but who that person is has changed. At 60, I like the person I am now the most, and I identify with her the most. But I feel very compassionate towards all those other 'mes' who have led me here today. Would NOT want to be any of them again though!

This for me too, same age.

Life evolves. At 20 I had freedom, fun and life was to be lived but I didn't know where I was going.

At 64, oddly enough, the freedom is back now the dc are grown albeit with some elder care sprinkled over, life is still to be lived, I am happy with what has gone before. There is nothing reckless or impromptu about life now but I prefer it that way.

In my 20s I had to make my own security. That was hard work but it was the real me. I needed that.

I feel like I've been 'the real me' all the way through from about 14 when I became aware of myself as a person, to now at 39.

Mid 30s, as the mother of babies and toddlers. I know a lot of people hate this stage, but I found it pretty easy. I had been waiting for it for a long time, and I felt like I was finally me. I was also working part time in my dream career that I had worked so hard for. It was pretty magical.

I liked the version of me in my late 20s, I finally felt comfortable with where I was in life and quite settled. Having kids in my early and mid 30s threw that all up in the air and now in my late 30s I feel like I’m coming into the “real” version of myself. I still think it will take a few years. Having kids gave me a massive (sometimes unpleasant) shake up on a personal level and I’m forever grateful for that.

Now, at 47.
Recently divorced.
No partner on the horizon.
Former husband turned me into someone who wasn't the true me. I didn't like who I was becoming and felt I was an actor in his stage play. Now he's gone, I am getting back to who I think I really am again.

Right now, age 60. Teenage me hadn't a clue, God love her 🤣

Lol, I can barely remember being a teenager it was so long ago. I was a different person then but I don’t know which is more ‘real’ 🤷‍♀️

Now. Wiser, calmer, don't tolerate bullshit, don't pretend to enjoy social gatherings that I don't want to enjoy.

50s...I'm now 60 and am definitely the real me. Took a while but I got here 🙌🏼

Once I hit my 50's (now 55). Definitely not teenage years. I was trying too hard to "fit in". That's probably the time I was the least my true self.

I also realised I don't do well in relationships. Never met someone I felt I could be the "real me" with. Always compromising and losing myself in the process. Stopped bothering with all that in my late 40s.

Despite some health niggles, my 50s are turning out to be my favourite decade so far. Because I am now living my life on my terms. DC are grown up so I can please myself. I've had the time and space to realise who the real me is, and I like that person!

Before kids and hopefully when they all leave home - I haven’t got any time or brain space for me.

@Keepmedicationoutofthereachofchildren - exactly the same for me.

Now. Early 40s. Comfier in my skin than ever before.

Now, on the cusp of 50. I know myself much better, like myself better, and don't give a fuck what anyone else thinks 🙂

I went back into education in my thirties and found that I loved it. I did badly at school but I’ve subsequently done really well.

Teen, and now as a mum. Not the bit in between, lost and muted.