So What If I am Forty?

I am turning forty on May 7. It’s been 4 decades. And I am still alive and kicking – that is, 1. LIVING, 2. FULL OF LIFE and 3. STILL INTERESTING! (Well, at least that is what hubby says.) Those definitions are the very important ones for me.

Some women when asked how old they are become reluctant to answer. It is TABOO for them if asked about their age. I heard it is even so in some countries, together with personal questions like "Are you married?" or "How much do you earn?"

I had never denied my age. I see no point doing that. It can never refashion a woman’s life, it can never twist the truth that one is getting older, and it can never bring back a woman’s youthful days. What am I trying to say? This is what I am trying to say – do not deny your age because, one way or the other, somebody will know. It is more disgraceful if that somebody will learn the truth. You will just be an object of ridicule.

It will be more of a flattery if one says, " You do not look your age." But if somebody guessed it wrong and mentioned a higher figure, do not take it as an offense; rather, work out what had added to the wrinkles or the blemishes or the haggard look. Just think positive.

I understand that a spinster would really take it as an offense to be asked her age. Word of advice – just answer honestly and with composure. That could draw attention. And if somebody laughed at it, he or she is not worth to spend time with. Walk away from that person, or simply ignore.

As long as we try to live life through without stepping on someone’s shoe, age does not really matter. It is only in the mind. As long as we are trying to be a good citizen, a good friend, a good spouse, a good sibling, etc., we need not worry with the sage saying, "A fool at forty is a fool indeed."

Being forty is really interesting. This is the step where judgment reigns. This is the time we say it loud with Susan Sarandon, "I look forward to being older, when what you look like becomes less and less an issue and what you are is the point."