There’s nothing more fantastic (and fearsome) than a group of over 40-year-old ladies letting go of insecurities (at least for the moment). I’ve met a group of ladies that, when together, laugh and laugh and laugh. We laugh at getting older, at dumb things people say to us, that we bring lipstick hiking and actually reapply, and that someone is always making another take their picture to update an online dating profile (to which we all groan). We are unconcerned with the opinions of those around us and completely comfortable in the imperfections we know we exhibit. We may not always feel that way and we are not without our ups and downs, yet, in that moment, it is the most marvelous feeling I know – an incredible sense of freedom.
But recently while out and about with this group, I started noticing a rather amusing and common reaction from those around us...that reaction? Wonderment and fear (typically in that order). Ha. And this reaction comes from all types and ages. Well, actually, that is not completely accurate if I think about it. The elderly just stare at us knowingly, as if to say, “been there, enjoy it.”
It’s fascinating really. It’s a different kind of response from the one you get when you are younger and in a group. In that case, more often than not each of you are so engrossed in making impressions and garnering attention that you forget to truly enjoy each others company and the moment at hand. You may get the attention of men (or from whomever you may be focusing), or, and this isn’t fair by the way, looks of condescension from other women, but you do not get fear and wonderment.
As a group of 40 and above-year-old women fully secure in themselves and where they are in life (for the moment), it emanates strength and it can be frightening to those who don’t understand it. I find this both fascinating and pretty damn funny. My most favorite is the look of outright terror on the faces men of similar age having to cross our path. It’s kind of like the look I imagine a possum might have just before playing dead (fight or flight decision time) – this is before recovering their composure, which, to their credit, they mostly do.
But, what I can’t figure out is why this happens. Why is it such an anomaly to see a group of mature ladies having a great time without an ulterior agenda? Isn’t it so much more refreshing than seeing a group of mature ladies pretending to have a good time while trying to appear younger than they are? I certainly think so.
My conclusion, fear or no fear, we need to keep it up ladies! It’s time for others to accept us as we are, and enjoy it too.