I take quite a bit of pride in not looking my age (I’m 38). I am partly blessed with good genes in that area- my mom doesn’t look her age and my grandmother didn’t either. The fact that I am “big boned” helps keep wrinkles at bay as well. But I do have a cluttered bathroom and shower full of a variety of lotions and potions that I use to try to keep up my youthful appearance.
Another reason I suspect that I don’t appear to be heading towards middle age at lightening speed is that I’m told I don’t act my age either. But I don’t really know how to act my age because I don’t know what 38 is supposed to feel like- I’ve never been 38 before! I don’t even know sometimes how to dress at my age! I know I’m not ready for the polyester elastic waist pants/ wearing white tennis shoes with everything fashion department quite yet. I also know that I am past the age where I belong in 75% of the stores in your average mall. There is nothing in Abercrombie & Fitch that I want to wear- or that even comes in my size. So that’s a puzzle.
I also know that I don’t have the same body I had 10 years or even 2 years ago. Certain parts aren’t exactly where they used to be. My hair is not as strong as it used to be. I need new glasses more often than I used to. My skin is very dry except for my face which has suddenly gotten really oily again. I suppose acne also helps me keep my youthful appearance but there is something just wrong about buying wrinkle cream and zit cream in the same trip to Walmart!
I guess all I can be is myself. Whether that makes other people think that I am or I’m not “acting my age” is just going to be something they are going to have to deal with on their own.