It’s funny how our definition of fun changes over the years. I was recently thinking about all the things that I did in my twenties and how many of them are no longer appealing. Some may say that I’ve gotten more boring over the years but I think the definition of fun has just changed for me and many people who are well past their twenties.
One thing that I know I no longer enjoy is getting drinking too much and suffering for it the next day. I actually don’t even want alcohol now unless it is something I really like and can’t pass up the taste. Otherwise, I would rather save those calories and eat dessert instead. Of course there are social occasions where we just drink with our friends because that is what everyone is doing, but even then I have my limits. I want to make sure there is a sober driver to get home and I want my wits about me. A little bit of a buzz is enough to feel relaxed and giddy if that is what I’m in the mood for. I want to be able to sleep well and not feel miserable when the kids wake me the next morning. It just isn’t worth it to me anymore. Now, my idea of a fun girls’ night out is more about chatting, dancing, or relaxing with friends (maybe even a spa). To someone in their twenties, that might sound lame but I’ve been in their shoes and I’m over it now.
Another thing I enjoyed in my twenties was eating fast food. I would sometimes crave Taco Bell or a quick burger and fries. Now, for some reason, those things leave me feeling sick. My kids still drag me to these places once in a while but I dread it now. I think my body has aged and can’t handle the mystery ingredients. Or, possibly, my attempts at being healthier have left me more sensitive to the greasy, less healthy options. Either way, I don’t think this is a bad thing. It just means I eat better food but also more expensive meals.
High heel shoes were my friends years ago but they have turned on me since. I used to love wearing all types of high-heeled shoes- stilettos, wedges, etc. I would walk through the city and then go dancing for hours in my heels. Now, I’m paying for it. I wear comfortable shoes throughout the week and then if I wear dressy heels (nothing too high now) on the weekend, I have sore feet for days. I watch people on TV in stilettos and I feel pain. I still have lots of sexy high heel shoes in my closet but I ignore them and opt for nicely cushioned, boring shoes.
I used to be a phone person when I was younger, especially before I had kids. I would talk to friends for an hour at a time and many of them daily. Now, I find it such a chore to use the phone. I am so much happier texting or IM’ing or even emailing people. I don’t know if this is a good thing or not but things just evolved. This just suits my schedule now since I can write to people in one of these mediums and then work or kids can happen around me. For a phone call, I need quiet and focus and can’t multitask as much. Maybe that brings the quality of the communication down but at least I can still keep in touch that way and not look for an ideal time to call.
Many things have changed over a decade or two. I’m sure I’ll think of others and write a sequel to this post. For now, these are the good/bad changes over the years. I’m sure many of us have our own lists. Feel free to share yours with me!
