My happy go lucky 20 something boyfriend has turned into a 40 something grumpy old man

[Cheepcheepcheep]

Anyone else?

Sorry, bit brief as an OP.

I’ve always been a cynical bitch, from childhood if my parents are to be believed.

I met this wonderful guy in his 20s who reframed my idea that nice was a bad thing, that kindness was a weakness.

We’re 20 years in now and he just sees the bad in everything. It’s like we’ve swapped. Since the kids I’m struck by how lucky we are to be here in the world and he’s just turning into a grumpy old man.

Is this just inevitable?

Not necessarily inevitable but they do say that your 40s are the most stressful time - work stress, young children, ageing parents (or losing your parents) can all grind you down and tire you out. My DH has definitely let work stress get the better of him at times and affect his mood. Now in his 50s, he's cut back to 3 days and is enjoying life more these days! Most people don't manage to be as carefree in their 40s as they were in their 20s!