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Back in November, I wrote about my thoughts on women hiding their age instead of celebrating it. Now that we are just a few days away from my 27th birthday, I have age on my mind again. It’s so interesting how something as simple as a number that marks a certain amount of time can become such a complex and difficult issue for so many people.
It is no secret that here in the United States, we are completely obsessed with youth. A good portion of our pop stars are not able to drive yet, supermodels have to find new career paths after 30, and there is a cream, pill, lotion, or surgery for everything from wrinkles to vaginas.
It’s interesting that we choose to spend our time obsessing over youth when many other cultures honor and respect the elderly. In China, Korea, and many Latin cultures, the knowledge and wisdom that elders have is highly sought after. 60th and 70th birthdays are huge celebrations commemorated with feasts and large parties.
In America, a 60th birthday for a woman may include the words, “She looks good for her age”. Honestly, that can most likely be heard at a birthday for a 40 year old. As someone who is often mistaken for a high school student, I have people already telling me that I am lucky I look so young. Umm…I’m 26. I AM young!
It’s ridiculous to send a message to women that if you are not married with children at 30, you have failed. It is equally as ridiculous to be surprised when women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond are sexy, fun, and enjoying life.
Next time an amazing woman you know celebrates a birthday past 30, be sure to tell her that she looks great. Not just for her age but just because she does.
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