Hey fabulous readers,

Tina here! So, I was sitting on my couch the other day contemplating life’s greatest mysteries—like why socks disappear in the laundry or why avocados go from rock hard to overripe overnight. But then, a different, more introspective question crossed my mind: What really gets better with age?

And no, I’m not just talking about wine or cheese (though both are solid contenders and have saved many a dinner party at my place). Let’s dive deeper and have a chuckle or two, shall we?

1. Confidence: The Delightful Perk of Growing Older

Ah, confidence. When I was a teenager, I was riddled with insecurities about everything from my hairstyle to the ability to navigate the school hallways without tripping over my own feet. These days? I can rock a “bedhead chic” look at the grocery store and walk out feeling like a runway model—okay, perhaps more like a runway mom, but you get the picture.

There’s something liberating about moving through life without the constant worry of judgment. It’s like waking up one day and realizing you don’t need anyone’s approval to wear mismatched socks or try that daring new recipe that’s one part yummy and two parts potential kitchen disaster.

2. Taste: Your Culinary Palate Grows Up

Speaking of which, remember when “fancy cuisine” used to mean adding ketchup to your mac ‘n’ cheese? Fast forward a couple of decades, and suddenly you’re using terms like “umami” and figuring out how to make homemade sushi because your teenage kids saw it on TikTok and now it’s a matter of family honor.

Taste evolves, folks! That plate of Brussels sprouts you detested as a kid is now a dish you’re willing to Instagram (we won’t mention how you still hide some under mashed potatoes when no one’s watching). Let’s face it, figuring out what a triple ristretto non-fat no foam caramel macchiato is…and liking it? That’s growth.

3. Friendships: The Ones That Stick

Over the years, friends may come and go like chapters in a book. But the friendships that withstand the trials of time are like that dog-eared, highlighted, chocolate-stained favorite novel you could never part with. They know your quirks, laugh at your corny jokes, and still embarrass you by recounting that one time in college when you took out an entire party with your interpretive dance moves.

These are the friends who accept that sometimes plans will be brunch, but other times plans will be simply sharing memes all day about the struggles of adulting (seriously, why are there no instructions for this?).

4. Wisdom: The Silent Superpower

Wisdom is the ultimate benefit of aging. We’ve stumbled, fallen face-first into metaphorical puddles (and maybe some real ones), but we’ve always emerged a little wiser. You learn the power of a well-timed apology, the beauty in saying “no,” and the priceless value of taking care of your mental health.

You also pick up life hacks that make you wonder how on earth you survived your twenties without knowing them. Like never grocery shopping on an empty stomach unless you want to come home with 17 bags of chips and no actual dinner ingredients.

5. Self-Acceptance: The Home Stretch

Hand-in-hand with wisdom, self-acceptance is like growing into a pair of shoes that always felt a bit tight. You start to love the flaws that make you uniquely “you.” That slightly off-key singing in the shower? Embrace it. Those laugh lines? Wear them proudly.

And let’s not forget, you also learn to ignore those airbrushed images on social media. Because, really, there’s nothing more beautiful than authenticity—the unfiltered, un-Photoshopped, full-color spectrum of human experience.

6. Relationships: The Deeper Connections

Long-term relationships, be it with your partner, friends, family, or even your pet goldfish, grow more profound with age. You realize that love isn’t necessarily the grand gestures, but rather the small acts of kindness—like your partner making you coffee just the way you like it, or your dog curling up next to you after a long day, wagging its tail like you’re the best thing since sliced bread (which, by the way, might also get better with age given the whole sourdough revival trend).

7. Stories: The Goldmine of Nostalgia

And oh, the stories! When you’ve lived enough, every wrinkle and silver hair seems to have a tale attached. You have anecdotes that leave people in stitches, heartwarming tales that make them go “aww,” and maybe a few that make you want to crawl under the table and live out your days in secrecy. But sharing these stories builds a bridge between generations and offers a hearty dose of shared humanity.

So there you have it, my lovely readers! Sure, the body might creak a bit more, the gray hairs might play hide-and-seek, and maybe you’ll end up misplacing your keys five times a day (true story). But the richness, the depth, the flavor of life—those continue to grow and evolve into something truly wonderful as we age.

What do you think gets better with age? I want to hear all about it! Drop your thoughts and let’s marvel together at this crazy journey we’re all on.

Until next time, embrace those laugh lines, savor every wrinkle, and keep shining bright!

Warmly,
Tina