As I approach my 43rd birthday, I reflect on how grateful I am to be here. Recently, my kids asked me which age has been my favorite. I replied, “This one feels pretty fantastic.” They reminded me I said the same thing last year and the year before. They’re right; I keep expecting to reminisce about the past, but that day hasn’t come. Once you enter your Fabulous Forties, you discover a newfound resilience and a lower tolerance for certain things. Here are ten things that women in their 40s simply won’t put up with:
- Uncomfortable Clothing. We’ve endured tight jeans, bras, and dresses for far too long. The days of feeling like our bodies are constricted are over. Comfort is king now, and if that means buying a new size, so be it. We might keep our old jeans in the hope of fitting into them again, but we understand that our worth isn’t defined by a clothing size.
- Unsatisfying Intimacy. After years of experience, we know what we want in our intimate lives. While every encounter doesn’t need to be a cinematic experience, we expect to have our needs met. If a partner isn’t willing to reciprocate, they are unlikely to get a second chance. We’ve found our voice and we’re ready to use it.
- Low-Quality Desserts. When we indulge in a sweet treat, we want the real thing. Gone are the days of settling for reduced-fat, artificially flavored options. We’ve learned to savor life and that means opting for full-fat deliciousness instead of empty calories.
- Tolerating Rudeness. At this stage in life, we refuse to overlook rude behavior. We understand that if we don’t speak up against it, it will persist. We’ve endured enough disrespect to last a lifetime and are no longer willing to accept it in our lives.
- Allowing Fear to Dictate Choices. Fear is a natural part of life, but we’ve learned not to let it control us. We recognize that fear can stand in the way of great opportunities. With experience comes the understanding that we’ve faced challenges before and emerged stronger, so we’re ready to face new fears head-on.
- Constantly Seeking Approval. For years, we tried to make everyone else happy, often at our own expense. In our forties, we realize this approach is futile. Putting ourselves first is necessary for our well-being, and we won’t hesitate to do so.
- Setting Unrealistic Standards. We’ve learned to adjust our expectations of ourselves and others. Accepting that life is complex allows us to let go of disappointments more easily. This shift leads to greater happiness and peace of mind.
- Pretending to Have It All Figured Out. No one truly has it all together, and we’ve learned to embrace our imperfections. The effort it takes to maintain a façade is exhausting. We prefer to surround ourselves with authentic individuals who appreciate realness.
- Fake Relationships. After years of experience, we can identify disingenuous friends from a mile away. We understand the importance of surrounding ourselves with true friends who genuinely care for us, making it easier to eliminate those who don’t.
- Comparing Ourselves to Others. While this may have motivated us in our younger years, we’ve realized that constant comparison is harmful. Life isn’t a competition, and just because someone excels in one area doesn’t diminish our unique journey.
Ultimately, we’ve recognized that one of the keys to happiness is refusing to tolerate negativity. Once we discover this truth, there’s no turning back.
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