Radical realization (some implied sarcasm re: societal expectations):
I'm not pretty, and somehow I'm still very happy with my life.
@Sparrow thing that's pretty awesome: I mean I kind of want my partner to think I'm pretty & stuff but.............
Seriously that's literally one person out of the BILLIONS in the world and the one who already found me attractive years ago and other than that? I mean it doesn't fucking matter everything else is gravy, I wanna do cool shit I love and love my friends and stuff!
Oh totally, I think there's value in feeling attractive, esp with a significant other.
**BUT** I'm also finally realizing that it's not important to be pretty to most other ppl to be happy.
I work with awesome kids, am challenged intellectually by my work, live with a kind and creatively inspiring roommate, have hobbies (& the free time to enjoy them), and wonderful friends and family.
@Sparrow yes, so much this. It's got so little to do with the happiness I can find through work, hobbies, entertainment, and especially friendships. It's been part of various big realization moments in my 30s, they're just such reliefs.
@Sparrow I have a lot more expressed anger in my 30s, but a lot more joy too.
Oh totally, that anger piece is big, too. Just the realization that I'm allowed to feel and express emotions, even icky ones. Obviously finding healthy outlets for feelings like anger are important, but just letting myself feel, period, has been such a big deal.
I'm 26 btw, so not yet thirties but frankly looking forward to them.
@Sparrow 30s are so goooood!!! But yeah, late 20s is also a great period for finding yourself & shit. I worked full time and did grad school and it was a lot of good, transforming stuff but the trajectory amped up past 30, which has been great
@ruth
Yeee. :3 Yeah I'm not ready for grad school yet; I was in formal schooling from age 9-25, so I'm making a point of taking a few years off to work and find out who I am when I'm not A Student. But eventually I do want to go back.