[Is that really me]

Did turning 40 remove my inhibitions? That would imply I had any to begin with!! Having said that, I'm waay more likely to speak my mind now vs. when I was younger. When people need something from me that I just can't give -- usually time -- I realized quite awhile ago that I do not need to give explanations because 'No' is an answer (just like 'round' is a shape! ). Some sick part of me likes watching people fidget a bit when they realize that 'No' is the only amount of information I'm going to provide. I'm always telling my husband 'Isn't it great getting older? Don'tcha just love expressing yourself w/out worrying about what others might think'? I don't need the approval of other's agreeing w/me and I love letting people know what I think. Not in an insulting or bad way, just in expressing my opinions. And having the wisdom to pick your battles? -- priceless!!!


Jo

[julyorchid]

I've definitely lost my ability to hold my tongue and put up with crap. At 45 I decided that certain family members and other people who couldn't act right could just stay away from me and I meant it. Life's too short to put up with some of the nonsense they were putting me through. At 49, I seem to have lost the filter between my brain and my mouth. If my brain thinks "Well thats stupid" it just seems to fall out of my mouth. Sometimes even I am surpised to hear myself saying this stuff. LOL I do however, feel freer and far less stressed. I wouldn't go back to my 20s to save my life.

[breakfreein]

I certainly became more tolerant and able to see other people's points of view. Now it's much easier to get over things that used to really upset me.

[LeslieFM]

Yes, I think so. I am so much happier than I was in my 20's. I am more willing to speak my mind. But, I am not a rude person.

I only wish I could look 25 and be 41.

[ViolinCyndee]

I used to be so shy, and used to get taken advantage of ALL the time. For me, I don't think it has to do with being 40, but has to do with finally standing up for myself. I really don't care what everyone thinks anymore!

HAHAH!!

[silverfox]

I'm not so sure turning 40 removed my inhibitions..it sort of had the opposite effect on me. I've always been pretty outspoken (my husband just calls it being b*tchy), but I think I've finally learned that I can get my point across without causing such a fuss.

[saintplatypus]

I'm 44 and I tend to keep my mouth shut most of the time. I have ADHD and all these years I have practiced keeping quite because for me it's too easy to say the wrong thing at exactly the wrong time. Kudos to you ladies who can say what you think.