I wonder if the "wear" I see in the mirror is cynicism or just plain ole' wear.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

Geez. I am going on 46 and losing that "thirty-something" appearance.

Please tell me all the great freedoms associated with aging. My Mom says you get to finally say your mind and that's a LOT of fun because nobody takes it so seriously.

I need more benefits than that. :shrug:

[Flaxbee]

1. I dunno. I'm approaching 40 and noticing that

the lines that used to just be there when I was fatigued are a little more permanent.

I know my sisters (5 of 'em, all older) do feel they have more stable, complete lives at this age than when they were still struggling with work, young kids, whatever, in their 30s.

[Debi]

2. At 40 I see it

My eyes just don't look sparkley anymore and my smile doesn't look 'cute'. I look 'older' and I don't mean in age but in emotion and thoughts.

Sadly, Mr. Debi (at 65) still has that charming grin and mischevious gleam in his eye. :banghead: Soon enough people will be asking him if the 'older woman' is his wife x(.

[bertha katzenengel]

3. Flaxbee said it another way, but I think this is it:

It's that the face you wear when cynical, or stressed, or ill, becomes the one you take into the middle ages. I wish we could take the laughing face, or the loving face.

Yeah, I wonder too. My dad died in January, and suddenly I begin to see the eye-bags he started getting in his forties.

[skygazer]

4. I don't know about benefits

It's hurts a lot more to be 47, I know that. But I feel I have a lot more sense and the ability to weather things better. As far as how I look - I know I don't look "young" but I never expected to look young forever. That's just the outside. :shrug:

[regularguy]

5. I would consider not having died earlier a benifit...

It depends on the person. My wife hates aging and has told me in no uncertain terms that she doesn't plan on aging gracefully. (Gives me something to look forward to :eyes:) Me? I'm the same age as you...I just try and not focus too hard when I'm in front of the mirror. Other than that I've been lucky enough to not notice the aging process too much.