Don't you miss being young

[Anonymous]

I don't miss being young. I'm 39 and I have better perspective on things now, better taste in men, and thanks to running and diet, a better body. I do have wrinkles, and my legs are getting veiny, which is weird, but I'm mostly cool with getting older.

I do sometimes miss being child-free. I had a really great social life, a reasonably decent dating life, and a ton of fun hobbies and interests. I had a lot more freedom. I love my daughter more than I could have ever imagined loving anybody, but I miss that stuff. And I miss sex. (I'm a single mom, so sex is just.... AWOL.)

[Anonymous]

No. I remember my early 20's as one of the most anxiety-ridden times in my life -- college graduation, competing in the job market, living in a new city (based stupidly on where my boyfriend was), trying to find friends...all totally new experiences away from the structure of the school year and my college friends. Not what I would want to repeat.

[Anonymous]

I really enjoyed the drama and craziness of my 20's. However, I am a much happier and more stable in my 30's and I think I love that even more. There is something beautiful about the aging process and the wisdom that comes along with it. I look at my son and realize that he is truly the best thing that has ever happened to me. As a family, we are still pretty spontaneous...it's just a more mellow and grounded way of doing it.

[Anonymous]

I do miss it, at times, and I remind myself that by the time my youngest if off at college I will be just 47. Having children in my mid to late 20's seems to work out in my favor. I was able to have the energy to for them in the crazy early years, gain perspective and life experience during the formative years, and be fun and adventurous with them in their teenage years. I will still be young when I have an empty nest. Giving me lots of time and energy to do the things I want to do. Which probably won't be going to clubs and drinking.

There are times when I look at my kids and think about how easy childhood was. Housing, meals, clothing, they were all provided for me and I didn't have a care in the world. I would be able to play outside with my friends until the third street light came on.

[Anonymous]

Mid-20s with children seems to be the best of both worlds, for me. I still DO go out (like once a month) and I enjoy it so much more. When I went out every night it lost its allure. Now I make such a big process out of it that it's like my 21st birthday all over again, every. frickin. time. I love that I have energy and I still want to do "young people" things. I will end up exposing my kids to the fun and carefree-ness that I don't think I will ever lose. I am also very aware (and Type A, enough) to thoughtfully plan and financially ensure they have a good future. I really think we hit it at a good time and I love my life; I don't think in 10 years I will miss being 26.