In a matter of weeks, I’ll be celebrating another birthday. While it’s not a milestone year, it’s one of those birthdays that tends to fade into the background—both exciting and a little unremarkable. Yes, it’s just another “something” birthday.
A few years back, I penned a piece about turning 33, and looking back now, I see not much has changed. The experience of being thirtysomething remains surprisingly similar, just with a few more lines etched on my face. This stage of life is truly about settling in—finding comfort in who you are and the life you’ve created. It’s a continuation, but with greater clarity and appreciation.
Being thirtysomething means recognizing that there once existed a show called Thirtysomething, even if you’ve never watched it. It’s being able to name a few members of the Brat Pack, but definitely not all. It’s forgetting your child’s first-grade teacher while still recalling the name of your own.
It’s those coffee cups that get reheated multiple times, and going to bed at 9 PM on a Saturday night feeling perfectly content. It’s waking up at 7:30 AM on mornings when you can actually afford to sleep in.
In this decade, regular visits to the colorist become a norm, and while you know your go-to shade of lipstick is a warm bronze, you still occasionally dabble with hot pink—because sometimes, you just feel adventurous. Thirtysomething is about understanding what truly matters and what doesn’t, though there are times when the lines get blurred.
You carry vivid memories of September 11, 2001, and find yourself attending more birthday parties, baptisms, and—unfortunately—far too many funerals. There’s always a brief pulse of anxiety when your mom calls unexpectedly, leaving you to ponder the “what ifs.”
Life in your thirties features long, fulfilling stretches where everything seems to align and feel achievable. Yet, there are also those shorter phases where challenges arise and possibilities seem to dwindle, leading to moments of tears in the shower and indulging in cookie dough for comfort.
It’s a peculiar mix of feeling like a moody teenager at times and questioning if adulthood will ever stop feeling like middle school. You stifle laughter when your child mistakenly says “fuck” instead of “truck” in a crowded store, and you find yourself inserting “that’s what she said” more often than is probably appropriate.
Comfort is key: cozy pajamas, familiar bras, and shoes that don’t pinch. You tackle the trifecta of pimples, wrinkles, and age spots all at once. You come to terms with the fact that, despite what everyone claims, you absolutely detest yoga—and that’s perfectly fine.
Being thirtysomething includes those late-night moments when you soothe little ones back to sleep after a nightmare, only to lie awake for hours afterward. You may still grapple with when to use “laying” versus “lying,” but it’s no longer a concern. You feel youthful, yet wise, with friends spanning from their twenties to their forties.
It’s a time of learning how to say “no thanks” politely, frequently uttering “I don’t know” and “ask your dad” more often than you anticipated. You might feel a twinge of disappointment at not being invited to a gathering, even if you wouldn’t have gone anyway.
Date nights often involve chain restaurants, minivans, and discussions about finances. You know who your true friends are and where your safe havens lie, and you strive to be that anchor for others. Thirtysomething brings a fuller heart and a mixed bag of body changes—like a poochier belly, sagging bosom, and thicker thighs—yet you find a strange comfort in that.
In the end, it’s about feeling a little wiser, acquiring some common sense, and knowing precisely how many hours remain until bedtime. For more insights on navigating this journey, you might find this blog post helpful.
Summary
Entering your thirties is a time of self-discovery and settling into life. It’s a blend of nostalgia, comfort, and the occasional chaos of parenting, all while navigating the complexities of adulthood. From realizing what truly matters to overcoming challenges, this decade is about embracing both the joys and struggles that come with it.