THIS IS 40

Oh, excuse me… is the millennial in me showing? 

Turning the big 4-0 may bring up all sorts of feels—throwbacks to my youth and thinking, “dang, that was a long time ago!” – reflecting on personal growth and where I am now, and maybe just a bit of denial because I still feel like I’m in my 20s… until I wake up and look in the mirror. Who knew that entering a new decade of life would come with its own set of surprises and laughs. If you’re like me, people would tell me to just embrace the quirks, chuckle at the changes, and remember – “you’re not old, you’re just vintage!” 😉✨ Life may be passing by, and sometimes we’re too busy living our best lives to notice. Join me as I prepare you (or commiserate) about the quirks and humorous circumstances that accompany the journey into the fabulously funny world of being 40.

1. Gray hairs and wrinkles

Finding a gray hair or wrinkle is like a surprise party (that nobody wanted) thrown by time itself. Aging gracefully? I’ll just continue sticking to sarcasm and SPF/moisturizer.

2. “Back in my day…”

Remember when we had to manually rewind our tapes and stand by for dial-up internet? Remember AOL? Kids these days have it way too easy with the current technology and download speed. Try explaining to them what a landline was (and what it looked like) just to make you feel even older.

3. “I remember when MTV played music videos…”

Every time you would listen to any songs on the radio your brain would automatically envision the music videos so well, you would memorize the dances, the moves, the gestures, and the OUTFITS. Can the newer generations say the same? I don’t think so.

4. “Early bird specials”

Realizing you’re starting to appreciate those early bird specials and discounts like never before! Looking forward to that Senior Citizen discount life to kick in. Actually, I can wait.

5. Forgetting things

I’ve never felt more heard with this statement. Making jokes about forgetting names, appointments, or where you left your keys, by attributing it to “getting old.”

6. Comfort over style

Stepping out in leggings & sneakers like “bye, Felicia” to painful heels. Comfy wins any day, baby!

7. Kids making you feel old

Feeling ancient by realizing kids born in 2000 are adults now 💀 Trying to keep up with their pop culture like… Wait, what’s a VSCO girl? 😅

8. More creaks and cracks

Just reached the age where my knees crackle like the sounds made by Rice Krispies when milk is added every time I stand up from bending down.

9. Turning into your parents

Currently looking for a new personality since I seem to have accidentally inherited my parents’ quirks. Who knew ‘I’ll never do that!’ were just famous last words, right?

10. Celebrating “milestones”

Finding humor in celebrating milestones like “20th anniversary of turning 20” or “There’s a bottle of champagne in my refrigerator.”

11. Nostalgia for the ’90s

Let’s be real, the 90s were totally iconic! The time when Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger were the IT designers, the guys rocked the frosted tips, and the girls were adorned with butterfly clips. The time when you declared your love to someone with a mixed tape or a dedication on the radio. Those were the good ol’ days. 

12. Midlife crises

Trying to wrap my head around being 40 but feeling like I’m in my 20s 🙈 Midlife crisis? More like a midlife mystery! 

13. Sleep habits

I know I said I feel like I’m still in my 20s, but when I’m out, and I start feeling tired, all I can think about is immediately going home. NOTHING is better than a good night’s sleep. It is always more appealing than staying out late.

14. Celebrity crushes

Remember drooling over Uncle Jesse, Leo DiCaprio (in Titanic and Romeo and Juliet, specifically) and Zack Morris? Maybe it was just me. If they’re your age now, these are the signs of the times! Reflecting humorously on how your celebrity crushes have aged alongside you, and how perceptions of attractiveness can change over the years. Have they aged like fine wine, or cheese?

15. Social dynamics

From out till the wee hours of the morning, to cozy homebody – navigating the realm of more relaxed gatherings or family-oriented events.