You don’t care what people think about you
Long gone are the days when you’d curate your personality to fit into the crowd. By the time you’re in your 40s, you’re more secure in your own skin – not giving much credence to the unwanted opinions of others. With your insecurities left to the wayside, you’re free to unapologetically be yourself.
Dating is less stressful
Many middle-aged singles say that dating is far less stressful as you mature. Older men and women tend to be more upfront about their true intentions, leaving the volatile and confusing mind games of double-texts and situationships for the youth of today to contend with.
You have plenty of life experience
It’s a cliché, but wisdom truly does come with age. Every mistake you’ve ever made is simply a life lesson – one you’ll hopefully never repeat again. Whether it’s dating men who are walking, talking red flags or drinking too much wine with your gal pals – ladies in their 40s claim that their mistakes earlier in life made them the women they are today.
Selfishness is suddenly okay
Being selfish isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it’s encouraged. A lot of middle-aged people say that they became more and more selfish as they get older – and they wouldn’t have it any other way. Putting others’ needs before your own over and over again can only get so far. Eventually, it’s time to focus on you. And that’s okay.
You feel the same as you did in your 20s
Despite the odd ache and twinge here and there, many 40-year-olds say that they feel exactly the same as they did when they were in their 20s – and that age really is just a number. Keeping a playful outlook and a light-hearted sense of humor is the key to maintaining a youthful, exuberant mindset.
You have more cash to splash
At 40 and beyond, it’s likely that you’ve got a bit more of a disposable income. Whether you’ve managed to squirrel away some savings or just have a higher-paying job, being more financially stable is a massive perk of being middle-aged. Want to spend $30 on ice cream at three o clock in the morning? There’s nobody to stop you!
There’s less pressure
When you’re younger, society expects you to have babies and a ring on your finger by a certain age. When that age comes and goes and you’re still childless and single, many say that it’s actually an immense relief. Living to the beat of your own drum is a learned experience, and one that enriches your life.
You have your tribe
Life comes with failed relationships, toxic exes, and friends that come and go. People in their 40s say that one of the best things about reaching middle age is knowing who has your back. Friendships that have lasted for years and years are likely to continue to develop throughout your life, providing consistent emotional support.
You aren’t afraid to say no
People pleasing and a lack of healthy boundaries are common traits in youth before. Shedding these habits allows the magic of the word “no” into your life – no longer indulging in activities, people, or actions that don’t align with your highest self. And life’s so much sweeter for it.
You can turn your life around
If you reach 40 and you’re not quite where you’d like to be in life, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Many people realize what they want when they hit a later age. It’s never too late to make a change – and the realization that you have the power to shift the direction of your life at any point is a cathartic epiphany.