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I feel older than the 25 I am...expecially around all my old pals from high school.  I was married at 19.  They were in college and dating and having a blast....I was waiting for my husband to come back from his deployment.  I got pregnant at 20....while all my friends were celebrating their 21st by bar-hopping I throwing up because at 5 months pregnant I STILL hadn’t gotten over the whole all day “morning” sickness.  I look at my life and see all the things that I wanna do, but I just wish I had lived a little more before settling down.

Looks like no one’s commented yet.  I’m always nervous to be the first commenter.  Oh well.  Suppose I could step out of my comfort zone a little.  Here goes.

I’m twenty years old.  I feel like I’m twenty, leaning toward nineteen.  I’ve started doing a lot of Real Life stuff without my parents help, but I definitely lean on them for a lot.  And I definitely go home from school many weekends because I miss them.

I think that’s a good place to be right in the middle of college.  For the next two years, I’ll be getting internships and jobs, maybe even finding my own apartment (and getting out of these awful dorms!).  I’ve spent the past two years testing the waters of all this adult stuff, gearing up for the next two. 

So, yeah, I’m twenty.  I feel twenty.  I’m pretty happy about that.

Oh, I wasn’t the first commenter after all.  Damn.  I was looking forward to being outside of my comfort zone.  Oh well. 

ok...I hate the fact that I put “expecially” instead of “eSpecially” Really must remember to reread my posts.

Well, Liz, it’s 40 the new 20? he he. I’ll be 43 this summer, and I kinda like the 40’s.  I try and not get too hung up on the age thing. I think nothing turns people off like saying how great stuff was ‘back then’. Yea, some stuff was great, some wasn’t. Wouldn’t mind that 20 year old body back, though! (see yesterday’s blog!) But I’m not crying about it.

-I’m with you Liz on the clothes (pretty much), music (yes!) and movies. I enjoy my now 13 year old’s perspective, as well as my 80’s sensability. Nice blog, my dear.

April, one of my friends from high school married and started her family young, and I remember thinking then, “Man, she’s gonna miss out on so much.  We’re having all the fun.” But you know what?  The rest of us who started later are still raising our kids and doing the Mom thing, and her kids are in college.  So she and her husband are doing lots of cool stuff, and now I’m thinking, “Man, she’s having all the fun. I’m missing out on so much.”

Jessie, you are definitely in a good place.  Have fun with it. 

Ms. Mary, we x-posted.  I’m with you on the 40s.  I feel better at this age than I ever have.  (Though, like you, I do miss that 20-something body.  Sigh.) And totally agree with the reminiscin’ thing.  I much prefer looking forward than looking back.

Argh.  TO looking back.  Not THAN looking back.

This is your writer.  This is your writer without coffee.  Any questions? 

I’m 28 even though I graduated from High School in 1985.  I feel 28, though now life is a lot better than when I was really 28.  More money, a real career, living in a place a like, same wonderful husband though.  I was never hip, so not knowing who that is on the radio is nothing new for me.  The one thing I really miss about being younger - my teenage hair - not a gray to be seen

I will turn 65 this year and my grandchildren make me feel like 30 again. They are so much fun to be around.

April, my brother and his wife, who married young and had kids right away, now have grown children and Harleys.  They’re having a blast!  Your time will come!

Liz, I’m the same age as you and Debbie.  I think I’m a mixture - I’m restless right now with what I’m doing and would like to go back to school or do something different.  But...I love staying young with my kids.  My son and I have the same taste in music and science fiction.  My daughter and I are having fun with the “firsts” of a preteen girl. 

And while the cellulite and wrinkles aren’t fun, I love being over 40, too.  It’s definitely the freedom of not worrying so much about what everyone else thinks.  I try not to embarass my children horribly, but I feel much freer to be a little goofy, wear what I want, and to sing at the top of my lungs.

I’ll be the little old lady in clashing shades of purple from head-to-toe just because I like the colors.  In all natural fabrics, of course.

I love that song.  Not because I agree with it all.  I’m 30, two kids, happily married in a great life.  Poor Debbie.  BUT, I will say, I agree when the heck did Motley Crue become classic rock?  That just isn’t right.

Ladies:
I’m 54.  Started a PhD program in my 40s, as a single mom with two daughters, one 12 and one 15.  Finished—with PhD—at 52 (my goal was to finish by 50, but --who counts?). I teach.  I laugh every day. I have the most wonderful daughters in the world: women I am proud to introduce, enjoy spending time with, and [as you can perhaps tell] talk about WAY too much. I’ve been in welfare lines, my knees are going, and I’ve been known to faithfully take my “mirth control pills” [anti-depressants] but you know what?  I’ll die with a smile on my face because I’ve had—and continue to have—a wonderful life.  We can all do more than we give ourselves credit for.  In my head, I’m probly about 24—don’t know WHO that older looking woman is in the mirror!!

ChrisTina, I LOVE your attitude!!

Me? “technically”, I’ll be 47 in about 6 weeks, but inside, I’m probably about 30...my mental outlook hasn’t changed in at least 17 years. 

I still love to laugh and play even if the knees protest.  And if the cellulite flaps in the wind, I really don’t give a rat’s rear...if it bothers someone, they can just look the other direction!!

I had my daughters very young, and now they’re grown young women and we have a great time together.  My sister, who’s every bit as young at heart as I am,(she’s 10 years older than me) and I, have had a ball traveling with our husbands the last couple of years and we’ll keep doing so as long as we can.

My verification is “half31”...ahh, I wouldn’t be fifteen again for anything! LOL!

I’m a “woman of a certain age” as they say, and I think there’s great stuff about every age.  The secret is knowing what to discard and what to carry with you, as well as making discoveries all along the way.  Among those discoveries is that life is often cyclical, bad patches can almost always be got through, and that I’m responsible for my own happiness.

Having kids has certainly helped, and for me it’s definitely helped that they’ve been boys.  I love being a woman, but the boys pushed me outside my comfort zone and introduced me to a world I hadn’t known before, including trucks, belching contests, sports, guy-speak, and so much more.  I can sing along with current as well as classic rock.  I can converse with the younger people at work about whether the movie of “The 300” is as good as the graphic novel.  So even though physically getting older has nothing to recommend it as far as I can tell (a word of warning for the young ‘uns out there, the knees and eyes go first), in every other way it’s been a blast.  It’s like using a candle to light other candles, the light from the first candle doesn’t dim—instead the room becomes brighter.

I’m 28 with 14 years experience.  I have had people tell me that I do not look my age.  I know that sometimes I don’t act my age.  But then, what is age really?  Numbers on a dial?  Figures on our drivers licence? 

I graduated college at 40.  I was worried until my sister said “you’re going to be 40 anyway.  You can do it WITH a degree, or without one, your choice.” So off to college I went.  And I actually did better than some of my classmates because of previous life experience, so it all worked out.  The only downside is that my true age is being held against me in the job market.  They can’t actually say that they don’t want to hire 40-something interns, but they can send you letters saying that they were “looking for another ‘type.’” It can get discouraging.

I’m 45.
I was old when I was young.  Had a household and was financially in charge by 18.  I rushed through the next couple of decades being superwife, super suit-wearing career woman, etc.
Then I had a health crisis...followed by a
mid-life crisis (although I wish I’d figured that out at the time - I would have bought the red sportscar too...), changed careers....went back to school to prove that my mind was still a steel trap....

Now I’m having the fun I should have had in my twenties.  I sing whenever I like, even in public, dance, read whatever I want even if it isn’t improving, go to the theatre all the time whether or not I can afford it, and do pretty much whatever I like no matter how silly it looks to others.  And strangely enough, everything seems much funnier than it used to be.  (-; (Including me.  It’s nice to have your best source of humour so close by.)

I’m so looking forward to my second childhood… To my beloved Squawkers, please keep writing.  You brighten up even the most painful of days…

Ok, I am 26.  I have never felt my age.  From the time I was 12 years old I have felt like I was an adult.  Having a hard childhood and growing up with just my dad made me have to take on a lot of responsibility that most kids my age did not have to deal with.  Now that I am 26 and have been married for 6 years (in June) I finally have started to feel my age or younger actually.  My husband and I are about to start trying to have a baby and I feel like a real adult now.  I guess I am happy with my age.  Of course, when 30 hits I may not be so fine with it.  Who knows…

Ladydawgfan, congratulations on finishing college – you should be proud of yourself.  And hang in there, I know things can get discouraging but something will come about.  Just think positive!

It’s that old saying “your only as old as you feel”.  Well, I too feel like I’m 28, even if I graduated high school in the 80’s.  My kids definitely keep me young and my sister’s two teenagers refer to me as their “cool aunt”.  I like to keep up with today – the music, the movies, the fashion.  Although I do have to tell you all back around Halloween, I was in Target and a little girl told her mom she wanted to be a “girl from the 80’s” .  I turned around and said “Honey, you can just come over my house and have a blast in my attic!” It hit home a little because I remember being young and wanting to be a “girl from the 50’s”!

What a wonderful and thought-provoking blog. 

I have felt different ages at different times.  I dropped out of college at 19 to marry the first time.  I immediately turned into an “old housewife”.  Reality, a child, and one divorce 4 years later changed me into a young struggling, single, mom. 

I married again, a man more than 15 years older than myself, a couple years later.  We’re still together.  He’s close to 60 while I’m in my forties.  Most of our 5 children are grown and on their own.  I love this age and the knowelge and experience that come with it. I would never want to be in my 20’s again.  But I have the freedom to act twenty-something if I feel like it!

I don’t know if I feel younger than I am, but I certainly act it.  I’m 31, married, one kid—and I still love a good mosh pit!

I live in rural Texas, so for a good rock concert we have to drive at least 3 hours.  In my “younger” days - early 20s - the hubby and I could drive to the concert, rock out, drive back, get in at 3 or 4 in the morning, and still get up and go to work the next morning.  It was hard, but we could do it.

Nope.  Not anymore.  My stamina has definitely taken a hit.  The solution: I got a better job with a boss who doesn’t care if I need to take off for having too much fun!

My real age will be 32 this summer.  I feel about 22, the age I was when I graduated from college. 

The only thing I miss about 10 years ago is how all the walking I did on campus had me in great shape compared to now!  (And my word today is find33...ugh...I’ve “found” about 33 pounds since college.)

MJ - you’re describing me, too. I was always older than I should be when I was young, but now that I’ve gone through a health crisis and had to learn to live with chronic illness, I’ve had my eyes opened in a huge way and am having more fun now (despite many days of intense pain) than I did before when I was healthy. For those of you who are young (at any age) and healthy now - enjoy every minute of it as you never know what lies around the corner.

Avery, I’m totally there with you on the better quality of life at this point.  And my son turns me on to great music, too, Carolyn.  I love that.

ChrisTinaC, you go girl.  I think it’s the same woman in my mirror who’s in yours.  SusanDC, you are a very wise woman indeed.

Ladydawgfan, I’ve often thought about going back to school for my Master’s that I quit working on halfway through. I’m curious about I might look now at the literature I studied as a college-age woman. Totally differently, I’m sure.

MJ, I think you have your priorities right on.

Shannon, the 30s are even better than the 20s.  And the 40s are better than the 30s.  I’m happily anticipating my 50s at this point. 

LOL, SuzyQ.  I remember in high school, we had 50s Day. At my son’s school, they have 80s Day.  Very humbling. 

I love it that we have so many women of so many “ages” here.  You guys are the best!

I turned 30 a few months ago. Most of my friends had a minor freakout before their 30th birthday, but for some reason age has never been that big of a deal to me. Maybe because I’m happy with my life.
How old do I feel...not a day over 29.

I love this blog, Liz.  You and I share this same attitude. 

I feel 16.  That isn’t to say I haven’t learned more since I WAS 16, become less selfish, can communicate better now.....but I’m still 16. 

I just feel young, amazed at all my new experiences and curious to know more and more (to see more and more). 

But I admit to having momentary panic a few years back, when I noticed the gray hair, the cellulite, the loss of my 20 yr old bod and face....but I quickly realized if I over-valued the physical crap, I’d be setting myself up to be permanently depressed.  That just isn’t my style and plus, my nat-like attention span wouldn’t be able to keep up the heaviness for very long.

Alas, I’m 16.

But I won’t wear a belly bearing shirt no matter how 16 I am!

I love that song too, but I don’t relate with Debbie at all.  I’m 35 now with 2 kids, and they definitely keep me young, it’s hard for me to quantify what age I feel, but it’s definitely younger than 35.

When I met my husband, I was engaged to someone else and was pretty unhappy. I was destined to be a “Debbie”. I was at a party with loser fiancee and I noticed this guy that kept looking at me. The minute I looked back at him, I knew he was the love of my life. 10 years and 2 children later I thank God every day I met him. He saved my spirit!

This is on a plaque hanging on the wall in my office:
Life’s journey is not to arrive safely at the grave in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways totally worn out shouting"Holy @#$% .... What A Ride!

Liz - love this blog. There are sooo many “Debbies” out there...regretting their lost youth, missed opportunities, etc.

I just turned 48 and some of the other moms at my 17 yr old daughter’s softball game were amazed. You don’t SEEM 48 they said. Ok, so I’m not the buttoned up polished professional type. I love jeans & funky tops. I love to check out new music although I crave the oldies. Life is still full of opportunities. I’m still going to get that novel published. I still jump in the waves at the beach - cellulite be damned!

Some of those firmly in the Debbie-Zone were at least 6-8 years younger than me! So here’s to embarrasing my children - I tell them it’s my job!

Aw, Manydlo, I love your story!

I’m officially in my mid-30’s and I love it. I feel sexier than ever (notice, I didn’t say “look") and I’m finally comfortable in my own skin. In my twenties there was all that growing up and the college weight and then children and more children. Ugh.

I’ve lost a few pounds since then, learned how to use a round brush, and realized I actually look better WITH glasses. What freedom! Now I just need to find that perfect funky pair I’ve been searching for.

I buy new music all the time. Never wore heels in my youth, but wear them now. Discovered cosmopolitans, not to mention appletinis.

Oh, and I’m living my dream, so that helps too. Also, I highly recommend marrying someone a few years older than you. No matter how old I get, I’ll always be the hot younger wife. Ha!

Hey, just thought I’d add my 2 cents.
“Age is relative”
I’m one of those girls who was married with 2 kids at 21 - I won’t change that for the world.
This year I’LL turn 52 - my husband of almost 33 years and I still go dancing (at clubs) twice a week (salsa, country, you name it) and I take a belly dancing class twice a week (I love it).
Yes’ I’m bigger than I used to be (luckily I was always “curvy” never “thin” - so the adjustment wasn’t as bad).
Yes, my hair is going gray, but there are ssssoooo many wonderful colors out there (currently, I’m medium reddish brown).
And yes, some mornings I feel 80, but I have also learned that life really is too short and you should do your best to enjoy it. (that doesn’t mean I don’t have bad days)Who knows how long we’ll be here!!!

Oh yeah - I forgot to mention I’m a stay-at-home grandmother of 4.
And I love this blog.

mandylo said:  Life’s journey is not to arrive safely at the grave in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways totally worn out shouting"Holy @#$% .... What A Ride!

That’s one of my favorite sayings and oh, so true!

I’m 41 now and most days I feel younger and when my girlfriends and I get together we act much younger! 

And the best part, my dh still thinks I’m sexy, and after nearly 19 years of marriage (and 3 kids), that’s something to cheer about!!

I am 49 this year so I intend to treat this like a party year,counting down to 50. My husband wants me to age gracefully. But I plan on doing t disgracefully. I wear my platform shoes and toerings proudly. I feel like I am 49, but I think 49 is a prime age to be.

J, I wish I could remember the author of the poem (and the poem itself) about how my physical appearance is a reflection of the adventures I’ve had and the knowledge I’ve gained.  It was on a poster in a bookstore I visited in Florida, and I loved it.  (Anyone got a clue???) Anyway, that’s how I look at it.  The gray and lines and flab are all the result of having enjoyed life thus far. And I actually get quite a lot of compliments on the way my hair’s going gray, so that’s just bonus.

Mandylo, I love that quote.    And I so agree.

Funnily, Nina, I spent several years in my 30s being Debbie when I was going through some icky stuff.  Thankfully, that “Saturday Night Live” commercial about “Mom Jeans” pulled me out of it real quick, ‘cause I looked down and realized *I* was wearing Mom Jeans. 

How funny.  My code word on that last post was always18.  I’d say that’s pretty close.

Victoria, you are adorable in glasses, I must say.  I envy you that.  My vision is so bad, I have to wear the coke-bottle lenses, which aren’t quite so cute.  (In fact, my ophthalmologist told me that if I’d been born a thousand years ago, I’d be the village blind girl. *G*)

ct009ct, some of my fondest childhood memories are of my mom and dad dressing up to go dancing.  A few years ago, my mom gifted me with this gorgeous beaded top she used to wear on such occasions that had always enchanted me.  Of course, it doesn’t FIT me (much too small), but it’s still nice to have.

Lovin’ the posts, everybody. 

When I was a kid I always felt older because I was the daughter given the ‘responsible one’ title. When I was 16 I was involved in a car accident that left me a quadriplegic and spent a full year in hospitals and rehab centers. Now I feel like I’m much younger than my actual age and it’s nice!

My Mom had a saying that I love....she always said....’Age is a matter of mind, if you don’t mind, it don’t matter.’ I’m sure she wasn’t the first to say it, but that’s where I heard it first and I totally agree with her.  I’ll be 52 in a few short months.  People say I don’t look it or act it.  The first probably because I color my hair.  lol Natural Instincts Spiced Cider!!  The second because I’m am usually around younger people. 

I’m happy to be the age I am.  I’ve raised my sons alone for the past 12 years and am glad to say they are nice young men.  One graduates college next month and the other is in college as well.  And I’m glad I’m divorced, I didn’t realize how much my ex was dragging me down until after we separated.  lol

--dorothy

my veri-word is ‘done52’......well, I haven’t done it yet but it’s coming up soon!!

Victoria, I think you look fabulous in your glasses! But if you are looking for new frames I highly recommend anything by Versace!

My number is a fair bit less than my chronological age; I figure I’m in my mid- to late 20’s when, in actuality, this year I turn 48.  But hey, for me it’s a number that means little in the way of the things that count. 
My oldest, our son, just turned 23 at the beginning of this month and my daughters this year will be 22, 20 and 15.  They’re catching up to me ~ way too quickly, mind, but catching up, nevertheless.
I was married at 24 and had my first child shortly before I turned 25 and the fourth just before I turned 33.  And somewhere between 28 and 30, my life changed for the better.  After living with unknown and untreated depression for almost 20 years, sometime before my 30th birthday, it was discovered and treated:  and while it took time to adjust to living life the way most people take for granted, finally I had light in my life.  I don’t think I’ll ever feel as old, as awful as I did for so long growing up.  So, somewhere between 28 and 30, that’s my number, how I feel.  And it’s great!!

I am only 23, (soon to be 24), but I have always felt decades older. 

At 14 I overheard my mom say (I was a freshmen in high school) to a friend of hers, ‘Amanda is really 22 years old, she could move out and go to college and pay her bills and be successful’.  HA. 

Now that I am 23, I would say I feel about 35.  I’ve never felt like I fit with my female peers, things they deal with or feel, have never really afflicted me.  One might say I have an ‘old’ soul.  Its like I was born with the things a 35 woman knows.

Interesting post!

Andi - Here’s a nice warm hug.  I don’t know if you’re a ‘hugger’: if not, transform the sentiment into something you like!

You’re right on.  Chronic illness means (for me) that I have to make decisions about my quality of life....and I can no longer program myself 24 hours per day for others…

It means living in now and not rushing to tomorrow nor agonizing about yesterday’s choices.
It really does make you think hard about quality of life and priorities....and joy.

Joy is THE best way to overcome pain.  Psychic and physical.  At any age.

(Says Dr. Joyce) (-; (Wish I’d figured it out sooner, but hey - have many years left to get it right!)

I can’t decide if I’m Debbie.  I was 13 in 1985.  My husband and I were married earlier than all our friends.  We have a 5 and 9 yr old while most of our friends have no kids still or just one.  Many of my friends at work think I’m only about 28 (isn’t that sweet?) and I still can’t believe I’ve been married for nearly 12 yrs.  I listen to new & popular music....yet I’ve got to agree w/Charidee - when DID Motley Crue become classic rock? 
Sometimes I feel old.  Most times I feel young.  I love being in style but I’m totally comfy in my sweats and a ponytail.  I need to lose about 50 pounds, but still seem to think I can run around & play softball with my kids.  There’s so many choices I wish I could re-make, but there’s so many dreams left inside me.  I long for the days of perky boobs and a flat stomach yet I look toward the future full of hope (possibly of perky boobs & a flat stomach??).  You know, I think when it all comes down, I’m not a Debbie.  There may be a piece of her inside me, but I just choose not to listen to her.  Hmmm.  Does that mean I need to be on medication?

Peachy_keen. . . having always felt a little different from my peers, I’d say that when you actually ARE 35, you’ll be in heaven!

Elizabeth and Mandylo, thank you so much! I’m happy every day for the ol’ polycarbonate featherweight lenses, or “cute” glasses would not exist for me! I always wondered why my mom looked strange to me without her glasses on. Now I know. I have the exact same fat cheeks and little eyes. Ugh!

I’m going to be 21 in August.  Most people think I am actually older because of the way I act.  I don’t do the whole party thing on the weekends and I believe that you don’t need to get drunk to have a good time.  I know how to throw a good party without getting in trouble for it. 

I believe in manners and just being nice to people.  I think about what want to say before I say it.  Sometimes I do say funny and raunchy things but they aren’t going to follow me around the rest of my life.  I don’t say “like” every other word when I talk (that’s so annoying and just a space filler).  If you have ever watched an MTV show (Maui Fever, The Hills), you know what I’m talking about. 

I don’t make a complete fool out of myself.  I know when to pull back.  I think self control is huge part of growing up and a lot of people my age lack that.  I think that’s why most people believe I’m older.

Well Liz, it all depends on the day and how many demands are on my time. I am 49 and some days I feel every bit that and older. Some days I am young and carefree.
I too like some of the same music as my 28 year old son and my 31 year old son and I read the same books. Sci-fi, romance books, although he prefers the paranormal ones over historical or regency.
I think keeping a positive outlook on life helps you to stay youthful.

I’m physically 30...mentally older.  I’ve always been more mature, responsible and probably more boring than my peers.  And it can’t help that I’m almost always surrounded by people who are at least 10 years older than me.

I’m 27, which isn’t too much younger than my real age.  Old enough to know better, too young to care.

Oh, wow, I admire you guys who are dealing with chronic pain.  I have occasional and very temporary back problems, and even those are unbearable.  Y’all take care.

KathyK, I’ve battled depression on and off since I was a teenager, and it can totally debilitate a person.  I’m glad you’re doing better.  I am, too.  I really got serious about not living with it anymore when I was in my 30s.  And unlike a lot of women, menopause totally agrees with me.  I think estrogen was never my friend, and now that it’s leaving my body, I feel GREAT.

CatinOhio, if you’re hearing or ignoring voices, it doesn’t mean you need medication.  It means you’re a writer. 

This is so interesting, how many of us feel “younger” and how many of us feel “older” than our chronological ages.  For some reason, I’m wondering if birth order has anything to do with it.  I’m a last-born, which I think has always contributed to an irresponsible streak in me.  Then again, I know a lot of first-borns who aren’t exactly on top of things. 

Mentally - --- I feel like I’m in my late 20s . . .I’m 32 though so I guess I’m not too far off.  I love what you said though ---- some people in their 20s act like they’re in their 60s . . . I used to be like this.  However, the older I’m getting - I guess I’m getting wiser and learn now to enjoy in the moment more and not fret so much about where I am/should be headed!

I’ve always said that I was born a five year old.  I’ve just always felt older than my peers.  Yet, people tell me time and again that I look much younger than my 43 3/4 years.  It makes no sense to me but there it is.

My body, however, tells no lies.  I creek whenever I get up and unless I keep up my exercise routine everything tightens up on me!  Sigh!  The only bright spot that I can see is menopause.  I am more than ready for that!

FilmPhan - I know exactly how you feel...I just turned 21 in February, and I think I’m the only person among my friends who A) didn’t get horribly sick on their birthday and B) had their parents and 18 year-old sister drive 6 hours to surprise them in the bar where they were spending their birthday - and was happy about it!

I spent my childhood moving every two years because my dad was in the Army - and I’m thankful for the experiences, because it taught me how to be comfortable with myself, and to overcome my natural shyness to meet people in situations where I’m the odd gal out. Those experiences gave me an incredible sense of maturity; even as young as fourth and fifth grade, I always sat at the “adult table” during family weddings and stuff. In that way, I’ve always felt older than I actually am...fortunately, people my own age are catching up, and I get along great with friends who are in their mid-twenties.

continues in next post…

But the experience of moving around so much has also stunted my emotional maturity in that I never had to become too close to any friend I made.  There was safety in knowing that in two years or so, I would be gone, and I could get away with being only nominally close to my friends.  That reaction, to only give so much of myself in my friendships, and withhold a part of me, has affected my ability to have mature romantic relationships. I’ve never had a boyfriend - and any time a guy shows any interest, I turn tail and run as fast as I can.  I’m working on it, but it’s still difficult to give part of myself and trust. In that way I feel much younger than I actually am.

And now that I’ve written an incredibly deep, novel-length, safely anonymous blog, I’ll sign off!

Kay

Well… I hope this isn’t too much of a tangent… but has anyone heard/seen a group of seniors called The Zimmers re-do the classic Who hit “My Generation”.  It’s on YouTube...I can provide the link, but don’t know if that’s allowed on this blog....

I think it’s wonderful.  The lead singer is 90 and he’s really good, actually.

Now There’s Attitude.  I’m betting (on the birth order theme) that they’re all first born… they certainly don’t feel their age.....

Kay - That’s what my friends want me to do.  They want to watch me get drunk and stupid.  I’m thinking about just skipping my birthday this year.  You know, don’t remind anyone it’s coming.  Maybe I’ll just find somewhere to disappear to for a week.  I’ve never had a boyfriend either.  For awhile I thought I was the only person like this.  But then I figure the right guy will find his way into my life when the right time comes.  I mean God does work in mysterious ways so I have no problem waiting.

Phsycally I feel older than my 40,mentally I feel 25. It really is strange to have a 18 year old daughter and think where the heck did the years go!!

FilmPhan - don’t let your friends discourage you from having a great birthday! I took two of my closest gal pals out with me, and didn’t tell anyone else where we were going or what we were doing...I knew that everyone would expect me to be stupid, and I’m not like that. But definitely don’t let anyone else ruin your birthday...it IS exciting to turn 21, and be able to go out and enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or something!

As for the boyfriend thing, I heard something once that I tell myself when I get down in the dumps about not having found “the one” - that each day is another closer to finding him. I recently fell hard for a guy friend of mine, and I thought he was “the one,” but I learned the hard way that he wasn’t (he and the girl who was my best friend are now dating...go figure...). I’ve realized and come to accept that I can’t control these things, just like you said. In the meantime, I just fall in love with the heroes in the Squawker’s books!

Kay

I liked being 30 only because time went so much slower before starting my family lol.

Kay - I’m not a really big birthday party person.  Frankly, I don’t like all that attention.  I could spend the whole day reading and I would have the best birthday.  And about the guy friend that you liked, the same sort of thing happened to me.  He led me on for a long time and then broke down and told me he was hoping that I could hook him up with my friend.  And yes that’s why I read romance too.  I love the happy endings and the heros!

FilmPhan - then by all means, spend your entire birthday laying in bed, reading a good book! Sounds like the perfect birthday to me!

FilmPhan and Kay, my best friend turned 21 two weeks before me, and she and I went out the night BEFORE my 21st birthday to celebrate.  At just past midnight, we went to a club where we knew I’d get carded (and did), and when the guy wasn’t going to let us in, I told him to look at his watch, which he did, and said, “Welcome to Phoenix Hill Tavern.” We had one drink and left.  It was all I needed to usher in the 21st. 

And you guys have PLENTY of time for the guy thing.  Enjoy your time with you.  I lived alone or with roommates for years before marrying, and I am SO glad I did.

Thanks Liz!  That’s a good 21st birthday.

My bod tells me that I’m my actual age. In spirit I feel at least half or more of my 83 years.

I’m looking forward to reading many, many more of the Squawkers books.

I see “these53” as my key to posting.

I just turned 46, and in my mind and heart, I’ll always be young.  However, my body tells me otherwise and often feels/acts much older!

Thank YOU!!!
Finally someone that understands that it has nothing to do with how old you are, but how old you FEEL!! I am 52 years old, I am often told that I do not look my age and I definately don’t act my age. When I am around my great neices and their friends they tell me I don’t act my age, that I am fun and willing to join in and have fun with them. No I do not like all of today music, but I do like some of it. No I do not dress like a teenager, but I do like some of the stuff I find in the juniors department and if it looks good on me and I don’t look like I am trying to look like a teenager in it I buy it. You don’t have to start dressing like an old maiden aunt just because you have reached a certain age. We are living longer, taking much better care of ourselves today, so we need to celebrate that and keep looking and dressing fabulous. You go Liz!!