Can you think of one thing that gets easier as you get older

Not just saying no but no thank you, I don’t want to.

I wasted years doing things I really didn’t want to or making excuses. If only I’d known that in reply to I don’t want to most people just say, oh alright!

Cancelling coffee/lunch with friend(s)
Now if I don’t feel up to it on the day, I manage to cry off without feeling to bad about it.

Indulging myself, I agree with all above too, but now have time and money for me, with no guilt as life is too short.

I find it very easy to say 'No' to any offers from men - having totally lost my libido (thank Heavens). Life is so much simpler these days!

Simple!
Not having to work 12 hour days whilst also trying to be a good mum !

Dying ?

When my Godson described his new house, he added that it wasn't like mine in a picturesque setting, or that it had a guest room with an en suite bathroom. He was actually making excuses for what he perceived as his humble home.

I was mortified, but also, hand on heart, I bet I was much the same when I was in my early thirties. You can put it down to peer pressure, it's really self imposed pressure.

Nowadays I really couldn't care less what others think, and after a long chat, I like to think that I have convinced my Godson that it's him and his family and their reciprocal love that's worth much, much more than bricks and mortar.

What has taken a lifetime to learn is, it's much easier with age to stick two fingers up to the world and that's laughter is a great tonic, being able to laugh at yourself is greater still.

and that, laughter, not, and that's laughter.
I hope my English teacher isn't a member here.

I find it easier to talk to people than I used to when younger. I am much more confident now and I “like” and respect myself more. I used to be terribly shy and had nothing to say for myself. Boring. I hope now, with experience of life, I have a bit more to say for myself and I certainly feel more comfortable chatting to people and expressing an opinion (when it’s appropriate to do so). I am a good listener, i’ve been told, and hopefully this means I can relate to people better and take a genuine interest in what they have to say. I am also learning - and it’s taken me a lifetime - that I cannot solve everyone’s problems (something I used to agonise about).

Sleep. I can go to bed when I want to and not worry about having to get up in the morning. As you can probably guess I am a night bird!

not worry about having to get up in the morning

Not worry about having to wake up in the morning!

Rufus2

^not worry about having to get up in the morning^

Not worry about having to wake up in the morning!

True!

Being able to choose who you spend time with, instead of having it forced upon you at work, on the commute, etc.

I find it easier to be as I no longer care what others think. I wear clothes I want, hair as I like it, eat what I want and sorry to say say what I think. Yes I've retired from a uniformed job of 40 years where you had to be guarded what you say, well now I dont and ive been let free. Yay.

Ditto Curlywurly ?

To be myself! I was very shy and self conscious growing up and trying too hard to do what was expected. Now I can just be me so liberating. Also after years of working long hours to put children through university money is no longer a constant worry and retirement gives me time to enjoy things I want to do.

I don’t have to worry about constant pain- joint replacements are wonderful things!

I find wearing whatever I like, regardless of fashion, or what age tells me I should wear, quite liberating.

I feel more peaceful and thankful.

Oh, and I could live in a lodge and spend the winter somewhere warmer, if I could just persuade DH...

I an trying very hard to remember not to voice my thoughts out loud in public. I talk away to myself and my 2 dogs at home about everything. Unfortunately I have a habit of doing it outside too. I was always a person who was inclined to talk quite loudly.

Talking about myself, my feelings, all the things that really matter. So much easier, especially with those that you really care for. Oh, and recognising who those people are, too.

I think I've become more diplomatic as I've got older. I've learned that just because you have an opinion it doesn't necessarily have to be expressed. Having come from a very argumentative family I find that's quite an achievement.

Learning to let go and trust my instincts. Caring a lot less about what others think of me and my appearance ( my mantra for that is " No - one's looking at you dear ", I read that in a book - someone's childhood nanny used to say it her when she was full of angst about how she looked. Learning to try and make others comfortable in my company instead of more angst about myself, I am not painfully shy anymore and that is such a release.

As so many others have said, 'saying no!'

I’ve learned over the years to let trivial matters pass me by, as they say “don’t sweat the small stuff” !

Being honest and saying what I really feel .

For me, it's not having to worry about time. It's nice not to have to do everything at the double, which you have to when you're working full time with kids at home.
Nowadays, I can do the things I need to do in a leisurely fashion, and even quite enjoy cleaning!