Six Words Questions at SMITH Magazine

What you learned after age 40?

Backstory

At age 47, I took up skateboarding and snowboarding (I took up the skateboarding to help me with the snowboarding). Up until then, I had never skied or been on a ski slope. I still have the BBB, Black-and-Blue Bumm photos (and no I will not include them in my memoir). I learned to use a mitre saw (power tools rock) and installed laminate flooring in an entire townhouse. I learned to install tile and installed glass tile in a kitchen and sliced stone pebble tile in a bathroom. I have become my own contractor. Unfortunately, now I am the one to complete the tasks on my "honey-do" list. Regardless, I am having a great time in the 2nd phase of life!

by DynamicDbytheC in Six Words Questions on Jan 22, 2012 | | T-shirt

Comments

marymc says,

I can go out in public without make up and no one is horrified.
I am stronger than I ever thought possible.
I can trust my own judgement.
Confidence is sexy.

DynamicDbytheC says,

Ditto.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX says,

Not everyone ages the same.

Dean6805 says,

Women 35+ are sexy as hell.

Level1 says,

I think I've learned that I like Dean :-)

DynamicDbytheC says,

Ditto. Dean is a very wise man.

Believe says,

I'm not there yet, but really hope thT it's something big, because I'm pretty clueless now.

SolitaryMan says,

I learned the opposite of Dean I think; most women near my age are bitter, angry, passive-aggressive, jaded creatures. Maybe its not the age; I don't know any that don't have children. Either way, if you say that you know two women, one 28 and the other 48 and you ask me which one is happier, I'm going with 28.

DynamicDbytheC says,

SolitaryMan, could it be you are meeting single, divorced women over 40. I know a lot of amazing women (and men)over 40 but they seem to be in happy marriages/relationships. Maybe it is the "dating scene" that is the issue. Sure makes me happy I have my soul mate and I wouldn't want to be dating. Hang in there and stick with 28-year-olds.

Level1 says,

Solitary, you haven't been meeting the right ladies of a certain age.

marymc says,

I think the popular practice of women being traded in for newer models might have something to do with a certain bitterness. Late 40's men seem to want late 20's women. A few wrinkles and a lil gravity and we become invisible. And don't even get me started on the joys of menopause.

MrsPremise says,

I am so much happier with myself now, whereas, in my early years my happiness centered on others. That was naive, now I am not. I don't think I'm jaded, just not easily fooled anymore. Does that mean we more highly value inexperienced, less complicated women in their youth? Do we accept young men's anger and frustration more?
And don't both genders feel a little bit worn out over the years by lost dreams and desires never realized?
I could go on, but I hope you get the gist of what I'm saying.... :-}

favepeep says,

Expect the unexpected.

Level1 says,

Everyone gets old despite their best efforts.

ARTISME says,

Love is better, if you wait.

DynamicDbytheC says,

Artisme, yes. And if you have the right person, love grows exponentially.

RainhaMom says,

French

marjorieclaire says,

Enjoy life where I am.

DynamicDbytheC says,

RainhaMom, Moi aussi.

Level1 says,

Despite repeated efforts I have never learned French properly.

lukkiecharm says,

How to start over again. The better way..

DynamicDbytheC says,

Sounds like you EARNED that lukkiecharmed life.

Fred_Richards says,

I have learned to be happy that I'm not 20 at this ridiculous time.

Larry_D._Smith says,

I learned in six words: "It doesn't matter what they think."

sisterpoet says,

Happy is much better than rich

lillybrook says,

I'm 38, but a lot of this seems to apply. Then again, maybe I'll be smarter in 2 years...

SolitaryMan, I think that what MrsPremise says is true. And if you look at men who are out there and "our age"... seriously. As a single, successful, mother of three kids I am having a really hard time finding a man who can meet me where I am in life. That's not to say I can't meet men: I meet men who don't trust women because they had a bad experience with an ex. I meet men who are still in love with their ex and are looking for a jealousy tool. I meet men who are using substances to get over their bad experiences with other women. AND I meet men who are still married to other women and are looking for something "uncomplicated" because they appreciate my "independence." I don't view life-experience as baggage, but I do know what I am (and am not) looking to add to my own life, you know?

ba_miracle says,

I have a lot to learn but first I have a lot to unlearn.

DynamicDbytheC says,

This is good. You could get a 6er out of it. "Lot to learn, more to unlearn."

Steve__Anthony says,

That shit and heart attacks happen (Six words)

ba_miracle says,

Ha DynamicDbytheC...you think in 6ers now, it is contagious.

Jujeebal says,

I'm so with Larry on this one!

jl333 says,

I don't sweat the small stuff.