How to not “let yourself go”?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m 37. I’ve let myself go. Here’s how it happened and you can see what you can avoid. I used to eat healthy and work out regularly.
I have 3 kids between the ages of 4 and 9 (I had them when I was 27, 30, 33). After each pregnancy I basically held on to 8 lbs that I never lost, so now I am up 25 lbs on my 2008 pre kids weight.
I work part time while the kids are in school but that doesn’t mean I have free time - it means I’m with kids, then working, then with kids.
I’m really tired. I don’t work out - I try to walk some but it’s not enough. I eat fast / easy to prep stuff and I have a sweet tooth.

Despite all this I could still theoretically put care into what I wear, wear contacts, blow dry my hair, wear make up and I would look at least 50% better but most of the time I can’t even muster that.

Other people do look better than me who work and have kids. They are just better people than me!! Or maybe I’m wasting too much time volunteering at kids activities and they’re saying no. Idk.

Gyms have childcare. Being with your kids is no excuse. And since you know being out of shape is making you more tired it’s really no favor to them.

The quality of affordable gym daycare is abysmal. I quit because i couldn’t stomach my one year old watching an hour of TV a day.

This is mommy martyrism.

I disagree. I do other things for myself. I just know enough about child development to understand how important the first three years are. I’m not going to avoid the gym forever. We chose to spend more on a gym with better daycare until our youngest is three.

You don't know that much about it if you think that an hour of TV a few times a week is going to ruin them forever. Seriously.

Yep. Mommy martyrism

[Anonymous]

We live in a less expensive house so that I don’t have to work FT or even at all. This also lets me afford Botox, quality skincare products (not drugstore stuff), Retin-A, time to work out, hobbies, and down-time. I have a SN kid and I really don’t have time to do it all. I envy that some moms can manage it. More power to them.

If it really means something to you, you’ll have to free up resources for it because it will cost some time and money. You might have to cut cable or buy a cheaper car or whatever you think you can swap out.

The Botox, Retin-A, skincare and gym cost about $3k a year. I don’t drink alcohol, think of how much people spend on that and it’s not even good for you!

You’ll have to decide it’s not frivolous and it’s important to you. I told my husband “Look, I only get one face and if I don’t take care of it, it won’t take care of itself.”

My husband wasn’t on board with the Botox and pricier skincare until he saw the results. He said the change is “pretty amazing.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We live in a less expensive house so that I don’t have to work FT or even at all. This also lets me afford Botox, quality skincare products (not drugstore stuff), Retin-A, time to work out, hobbies, and down-time. I have a SN kid and I really don’t have time to do it all. I envy that some moms can manage it. More power to them.

If it really means something to you, you’ll have to free up resources for it because it will cost some time and money. You might have to cut cable or buy a cheaper car or whatever you think you can swap out.

The Botox, Retin-A, skincare and gym cost about $3k a year. I don’t drink alcohol, think of how much people spend on that and it’s not even good for you!

You’ll have to decide it’s not frivolous and it’s important to you. I told my husband “Look, I only get one face and if I don’t take care of it, it won’t take care of itself.”

My husband wasn’t on board with the Botox and pricier skincare until he saw the results. He said the change is “pretty amazing.”

Similar story here. I have a friend who was aghast at the cost of medical grade skin treatments for a mid-40s woman, even though she really wanted to do it. She drives a way nicer car than me, she has a lovely home with a stunning yard, and she takes great vacations. More power to her, if she prefers to spend her money that way. But, at a certain point, you have to decide what is important to you. I'd rather spend my money at a medispa than on landscaping, because I get more enjoyment out of the results. Everyone is different and can make different choices, but really fighting aging requires resources.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live in a less expensive house so that I don’t have to work FT or even at all. This also lets me afford Botox, quality skincare products (not drugstore stuff), Retin-A, time to work out, hobbies, and down-time. I have a SN kid and I really don’t have time to do it all. I envy that some moms can manage it. More power to them.

If it really means something to you, you’ll have to free up resources for it because it will cost some time and money. You might have to cut cable or buy a cheaper car or whatever you think you can swap out.

The Botox, Retin-A, skincare and gym cost about $3k a year. I don’t drink alcohol, think of how much people spend on that and it’s not even good for you!

You’ll have to decide it’s not frivolous and it’s important to you. I told my husband “Look, I only get one face and if I don’t take care of it, it won’t take care of itself.”

My husband wasn’t on board with the Botox and pricier skincare until he saw the results. He said the change is “pretty amazing.”

Similar story here. I have a friend who was aghast at the cost of medical grade skin treatments for a mid-40s woman, even though she really wanted to do it. She drives a way nicer car than me, she has a lovely home with a stunning yard, and she takes great vacations. More power to her, if she prefers to spend her money that way. But, at a certain point, you have to decide what is important to you. I'd rather spend my money at a medispa than on landscaping, because I get more enjoyment out of the results. Everyone is different and can make different choices, but really fighting aging requires resources.

Yes, you have to decide what is important to you. I am all for exercising, because it is healthful. It is worth spending the money to eat good, healthy food (and good, healthy food is definitely more expensive than unhealthy food). But spending money on cosmetic procedures is not for me. People who worry so much about wrinkles are too shallow for me. Many of us derive more satisfaction from spending time with friends and family, etc., and have no time for or interest in people so caught up in appearances.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m 37. I’ve let myself go. Here’s how it happened and you can see what you can avoid. I used to eat healthy and work out regularly.
I have 3 kids between the ages of 4 and 9 (I had them when I was 27, 30, 33). After each pregnancy I basically held on to 8 lbs that I never lost, so now I am up 25 lbs on my 2008 pre kids weight.
I work part time while the kids are in school but that doesn’t mean I have free time - it means I’m with kids, then working, then with kids.
I’m really tired. I don’t work out - I try to walk some but it’s not enough. I eat fast / easy to prep stuff and I have a sweet tooth.

Despite all this I could still theoretically put care into what I wear, wear contacts, blow dry my hair, wear make up and I would look at least 50% better but most of the time I can’t even muster that.

Other people do look better than me who work and have kids. They are just better people than me!! Or maybe I’m wasting too much time volunteering at kids activities and they’re saying no. Idk.

The only thing that might be worth worrying about is finding a way to exercise. Do it for your health and the benefits of that for you and your family.

The rest is BS and being a slave to that stupidity doesn't make anyone a better person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live in a less expensive house so that I don’t have to work FT or even at all. This also lets me afford Botox, quality skincare products (not drugstore stuff), Retin-A, time to work out, hobbies, and down-time. I have a SN kid and I really don’t have time to do it all. I envy that some moms can manage it. More power to them.

If it really means something to you, you’ll have to free up resources for it because it will cost some time and money. You might have to cut cable or buy a cheaper car or whatever you think you can swap out.

The Botox, Retin-A, skincare and gym cost about $3k a year. I don’t drink alcohol, think of how much people spend on that and it’s not even good for you!

You’ll have to decide it’s not frivolous and it’s important to you. I told my husband “Look, I only get one face and if I don’t take care of it, it won’t take care of itself.”

My husband wasn’t on board with the Botox and pricier skincare until he saw the results. He said the change is “pretty amazing.”

Similar story here. I have a friend who was aghast at the cost of medical grade skin treatments for a mid-40s woman, even though she really wanted to do it. She drives a way nicer car than me, she has a lovely home with a stunning yard, and she takes great vacations. More power to her, if she prefers to spend her money that way. But, at a certain point, you have to decide what is important to you. I'd rather spend my money at a medispa than on landscaping, because I get more enjoyment out of the results. Everyone is different and can make different choices, but really fighting aging requires resources.

Yes, you have to decide what is important to you. I am all for exercising, because it is healthful. It is worth spending the money to eat good, healthy food (and good, healthy food is definitely more expensive than unhealthy food). But spending money on cosmetic procedures is not for me. People who worry so much about wrinkles are too shallow for me. Many of us derive more satisfaction from spending time with friends and family, etc., and have no time for or interest in people so caught up in appearances.

You could have simply ended your comment with "is not for me", but you decided to nastily bash people who choose differently than you. It sounds like that's what you actually derive satisfaction from!

[Anonymous]

It’s BS that it costs a small fortune
Especially when you aren’t 35
1) vitamin C serum during the day - timeless.com
2) retinol at night - neutrogena
Get a Fitbit and set some attainable fitness goals to keep your weight in check
Wear sunscreen
Drink water

[Anonymous]

The key is avoid ALL sun damage and probably smoking, then you will be in the top 1% in your late 40s and 50s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live in a less expensive house so that I don’t have to work FT or even at all. This also lets me afford Botox, quality skincare products (not drugstore stuff), Retin-A, time to work out, hobbies, and down-time. I have a SN kid and I really don’t have time to do it all. I envy that some moms can manage it. More power to them.

If it really means something to you, you’ll have to free up resources for it because it will cost some time and money. You might have to cut cable or buy a cheaper car or whatever you think you can swap out.

The Botox, Retin-A, skincare and gym cost about $3k a year. I don’t drink alcohol, think of how much people spend on that and it’s not even good for you!

You’ll have to decide it’s not frivolous and it’s important to you. I told my husband “Look, I only get one face and if I don’t take care of it, it won’t take care of itself.”

My husband wasn’t on board with the Botox and pricier skincare until he saw the results. He said the change is “pretty amazing.”

Similar story here. I have a friend who was aghast at the cost of medical grade skin treatments for a mid-40s woman, even though she really wanted to do it. She drives a way nicer car than me, she has a lovely home with a stunning yard, and she takes great vacations. More power to her, if she prefers to spend her money that way. But, at a certain point, you have to decide what is important to you. I'd rather spend my money at a medispa than on landscaping, because I get more enjoyment out of the results. Everyone is different and can make different choices, but really fighting aging requires resources.

Yes, you have to decide what is important to you. I am all for exercising, because it is healthful. It is worth spending the money to eat good, healthy food (and good, healthy food is definitely more expensive than unhealthy food). But spending money on cosmetic procedures is not for me. People who worry so much about wrinkles are too shallow for me. Many of us derive more satisfaction from spending time with friends and family, etc., and have no time for or interest in people so caught up in appearances.

Well, gosh, I think it’s worth it when people look at me and say “Wow, you look so pretty!” I know they are trying to figure out what I’m doing. My husband certainly likes it.

I get Botox 3 a year. It takes me an hour round trip, so 3 hours a year at a MediSpa is very little time. I usually combine it with other errands. It costs me about $1200/yr (I buy the spring and fall package specials). For $100 bucks a month I have eliminated RBF, gotten rid of an intense crease in my brow that makes me look mad when I’m not, fixed my mouth so that I cannot frown and since those muscles are no longer pulling my lips down, they plump back up without the use of fillers.

The result is I look friendly and people treat me more kindly. I like that. And when you can’t frown and furrow it is much harder to grit your teeth while you sleep. So Botox also benefits my teeth. That’s not a waste of money or imposition to me.

Instead of jumping to conclusions, maybe you should look into what is out there and what it can do for you.

Besides, I didn’t post originally for you but for OP and anyone else who isn’t a negative Nancy and cares about keeping up personal appearance.

Within reason, maintaining the best version of yourself is not just vanity, it’s also a courtesy to others that says you care how others see you. I’m saddened by how much Americans slob out. I used to be a photo archivist and have seen many historical photos taken over the past 120 years. I wish people would put in the effort that we used to. On an average workday, people looked much more pulled together.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live in a less expensive house so that I don’t have to work FT or even at all. This also lets me afford Botox, quality skincare products (not drugstore stuff), Retin-A, time to work out, hobbies, and down-time. I have a SN kid and I really don’t have time to do it all. I envy that some moms can manage it. More power to them.

If it really means something to you, you’ll have to free up resources for it because it will cost some time and money. You might have to cut cable or buy a cheaper car or whatever you think you can swap out.

The Botox, Retin-A, skincare and gym cost about $3k a year. I don’t drink alcohol, think of how much people spend on that and it’s not even good for you!

You’ll have to decide it’s not frivolous and it’s important to you. I told my husband “Look, I only get one face and if I don’t take care of it, it won’t take care of itself.”

My husband wasn’t on board with the Botox and pricier skincare until he saw the results. He said the change is “pretty amazing.”

Similar story here. I have a friend who was aghast at the cost of medical grade skin treatments for a mid-40s woman, even though she really wanted to do it. She drives a way nicer car than me, she has a lovely home with a stunning yard, and she takes great vacations. More power to her, if she prefers to spend her money that way. But, at a certain point, you have to decide what is important to you. I'd rather spend my money at a medispa than on landscaping, because I get more enjoyment out of the results. Everyone is different and can make different choices, but really fighting aging requires resources.

Yes, you have to decide what is important to you. I am all for exercising, because it is healthful. It is worth spending the money to eat good, healthy food (and good, healthy food is definitely more expensive than unhealthy food). But spending money on cosmetic procedures is not for me. People who worry so much about wrinkles are too shallow for me. Many of us derive more satisfaction from spending time with friends and family, etc., and have no time for or interest in people so caught up in appearances.

Well, gosh, I think it’s worth it when people look at me and say “Wow, you look so pretty!” I know they are trying to figure out what I’m doing. My husband certainly likes it.

I get Botox 3 a year. It takes me an hour round trip, so 3 hours a year at a MediSpa is very little time. I usually combine it with other errands. It costs me about $1200/yr (I buy the spring and fall package specials). For $100 bucks a month I have eliminated RBF, gotten rid of an intense crease in my brow that makes me look mad when I’m not, fixed my mouth so that I cannot frown and since those muscles are no longer pulling my lips down, they plump back up without the use of fillers.

The result is I look friendly and people treat me more kindly. I like that. And when you can’t frown and furrow it is much harder to grit your teeth while you sleep. So Botox also benefits my teeth. That’s not a waste of money or imposition to me.

Instead of jumping to conclusions, maybe you should look into what is out there and what it can do for you.

Besides, I didn’t post originally for you but for OP and anyone else who isn’t a negative Nancy and cares about keeping up personal appearance.

Within reason, maintaining the best version of yourself is not just vanity, it’s also a courtesy to others that says you care how others see you. I’m saddened by how much Americans slob out. I used to be a photo archivist and have seen many historical photos taken over the past 120 years. I wish people would put in the effort that we used to. On an average workday, people looked much more pulled together.

This might be the dumbest sh!t I've read in a long time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live in a less expensive house so that I don’t have to work FT or even at all. This also lets me afford Botox, quality skincare products (not drugstore stuff), Retin-A, time to work out, hobbies, and down-time. I have a SN kid and I really don’t have time to do it all. I envy that some moms can manage it. More power to them.

If it really means something to you, you’ll have to free up resources for it because it will cost some time and money. You might have to cut cable or buy a cheaper car or whatever you think you can swap out.

The Botox, Retin-A, skincare and gym cost about $3k a year. I don’t drink alcohol, think of how much people spend on that and it’s not even good for you!

You’ll have to decide it’s not frivolous and it’s important to you. I told my husband “Look, I only get one face and if I don’t take care of it, it won’t take care of itself.”

My husband wasn’t on board with the Botox and pricier skincare until he saw the results. He said the change is “pretty amazing.”

Similar story here. I have a friend who was aghast at the cost of medical grade skin treatments for a mid-40s woman, even though she really wanted to do it. She drives a way nicer car than me, she has a lovely home with a stunning yard, and she takes great vacations. More power to her, if she prefers to spend her money that way. But, at a certain point, you have to decide what is important to you. I'd rather spend my money at a medispa than on landscaping, because I get more enjoyment out of the results. Everyone is different and can make different choices, but really fighting aging requires resources.

Yes, you have to decide what is important to you. I am all for exercising, because it is healthful. It is worth spending the money to eat good, healthy food (and good, healthy food is definitely more expensive than unhealthy food). But spending money on cosmetic procedures is not for me. People who worry so much about wrinkles are too shallow for me. Many of us derive more satisfaction from spending time with friends and family, etc., and have no time for or interest in people so caught up in appearances.

Well, gosh, I think it’s worth it when people look at me and say “Wow, you look so pretty!” I know they are trying to figure out what I’m doing. My husband certainly likes it.

I get Botox 3 a year. It takes me an hour round trip, so 3 hours a year at a MediSpa is very little time. I usually combine it with other errands. It costs me about $1200/yr (I buy the spring and fall package specials). For $100 bucks a month I have eliminated RBF, gotten rid of an intense crease in my brow that makes me look mad when I’m not, fixed my mouth so that I cannot frown and since those muscles are no longer pulling my lips down, they plump back up without the use of fillers.

The result is I look friendly and people treat me more kindly. I like that. And when you can’t frown and furrow it is much harder to grit your teeth while you sleep. So Botox also benefits my teeth. That’s not a waste of money or imposition to me.

Instead of jumping to conclusions, maybe you should look into what is out there and what it can do for you.

Besides, I didn’t post originally for you but for OP and anyone else who isn’t a negative Nancy and cares about keeping up personal appearance.

Within reason, maintaining the best version of yourself is not just vanity, it’s also a courtesy to others that says you care how others see you. I’m saddened by how much Americans slob out. I used to be a photo archivist and have seen many historical photos taken over the past 120 years. I wish people would put in the effort that we used to. On an average workday, people looked much more pulled together.

This might be the dumbest sh!t I've read in a long time.

Lol, I was wondering if I was the only one who thought that. I wonder if PP longs for the “good old days” for other things too.

[Anonymous]

Not sure why bleached blonde hair, tons of makeup, breast implants equals not letting oneself go. To me, that screams desperation. Not youthful at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live in a less expensive house so that I don’t have to work FT or even at all. This also lets me afford Botox, quality skincare products (not drugstore stuff), Retin-A, time to work out, hobbies, and down-time. I have a SN kid and I really don’t have time to do it all. I envy that some moms can manage it. More power to them.

If it really means something to you, you’ll have to free up resources for it because it will cost some time and money. You might have to cut cable or buy a cheaper car or whatever you think you can swap out.

The Botox, Retin-A, skincare and gym cost about $3k a year. I don’t drink alcohol, think of how much people spend on that and it’s not even good for you!

You’ll have to decide it’s not frivolous and it’s important to you. I told my husband “Look, I only get one face and if I don’t take care of it, it won’t take care of itself.”

My husband wasn’t on board with the Botox and pricier skincare until he saw the results. He said the change is “pretty amazing.”

Similar story here. I have a friend who was aghast at the cost of medical grade skin treatments for a mid-40s woman, even though she really wanted to do it. She drives a way nicer car than me, she has a lovely home with a stunning yard, and she takes great vacations. More power to her, if she prefers to spend her money that way. But, at a certain point, you have to decide what is important to you. I'd rather spend my money at a medispa than on landscaping, because I get more enjoyment out of the results. Everyone is different and can make different choices, but really fighting aging requires resources.

Yes, you have to decide what is important to you. I am all for exercising, because it is healthful. It is worth spending the money to eat good, healthy food (and good, healthy food is definitely more expensive than unhealthy food). But spending money on cosmetic procedures is not for me. People who worry so much about wrinkles are too shallow for me. Many of us derive more satisfaction from spending time with friends and family, etc., and have no time for or interest in people so caught up in appearances.

You could have simply ended your comment with "is not for me", but you decided to nastily bash people who choose differently than you. It sounds like that's what you actually derive satisfaction from!

Um, it is shallow. I'd rather talk to someone who's been spending their time and money diving on the Great Barrier Reef, or becoming a serious horticulturalist, than someone who has spent their time gazing in the mirror, wondering if her brow is slightly less smooth than it was six months ago, and spending money to futilely slow the inexorable march of time. The first two would have really interesting things to say, the latter...well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live in a less expensive house so that I don’t have to work FT or even at all. This also lets me afford Botox, quality skincare products (not drugstore stuff), Retin-A, time to work out, hobbies, and down-time. I have a SN kid and I really don’t have time to do it all. I envy that some moms can manage it. More power to them.

If it really means something to you, you’ll have to free up resources for it because it will cost some time and money. You might have to cut cable or buy a cheaper car or whatever you think you can swap out.

The Botox, Retin-A, skincare and gym cost about $3k a year. I don’t drink alcohol, think of how much people spend on that and it’s not even good for you!

You’ll have to decide it’s not frivolous and it’s important to you. I told my husband “Look, I only get one face and if I don’t take care of it, it won’t take care of itself.”

My husband wasn’t on board with the Botox and pricier skincare until he saw the results. He said the change is “pretty amazing.”

Similar story here. I have a friend who was aghast at the cost of medical grade skin treatments for a mid-40s woman, even though she really wanted to do it. She drives a way nicer car than me, she has a lovely home with a stunning yard, and she takes great vacations. More power to her, if she prefers to spend her money that way. But, at a certain point, you have to decide what is important to you. I'd rather spend my money at a medispa than on landscaping, because I get more enjoyment out of the results. Everyone is different and can make different choices, but really fighting aging requires resources.

Yes, you have to decide what is important to you. I am all for exercising, because it is healthful. It is worth spending the money to eat good, healthy food (and good, healthy food is definitely more expensive than unhealthy food). But spending money on cosmetic procedures is not for me. People who worry so much about wrinkles are too shallow for me. Many of us derive more satisfaction from spending time with friends and family, etc., and have no time for or interest in people so caught up in appearances.

You could have simply ended your comment with "is not for me", but you decided to nastily bash people who choose differently than you. It sounds like that's what you actually derive satisfaction from!

Um, it is shallow. I'd rather talk to someone who's been spending their time and money diving on the Great Barrier Reef, or becoming a serious horticulturalist, than someone who has spent their time gazing in the mirror, wondering if her brow is slightly less smooth than it was six months ago, and spending money to futilely slow the inexorable march of time. The first two would have really interesting things to say, the latter...well.

It's not an either or proposition. I'd generally tend to agree if it were, but myself and plenty of my friends lead pretty interesting, adventurous lives and have a lot to say. We also spend the 2 hrs a heat it takes to get some Botox.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live in a less expensive house so that I don’t have to work FT or even at all. This also lets me afford Botox, quality skincare products (not drugstore stuff), Retin-A, time to work out, hobbies, and down-time. I have a SN kid and I really don’t have time to do it all. I envy that some moms can manage it. More power to them.

If it really means something to you, you’ll have to free up resources for it because it will cost some time and money. You might have to cut cable or buy a cheaper car or whatever you think you can swap out.

The Botox, Retin-A, skincare and gym cost about $3k a year. I don’t drink alcohol, think of how much people spend on that and it’s not even good for you!

You’ll have to decide it’s not frivolous and it’s important to you. I told my husband “Look, I only get one face and if I don’t take care of it, it won’t take care of itself.”

My husband wasn’t on board with the Botox and pricier skincare until he saw the results. He said the change is “pretty amazing.”

Similar story here. I have a friend who was aghast at the cost of medical grade skin treatments for a mid-40s woman, even though she really wanted to do it. She drives a way nicer car than me, she has a lovely home with a stunning yard, and she takes great vacations. More power to her, if she prefers to spend her money that way. But, at a certain point, you have to decide what is important to you. I'd rather spend my money at a medispa than on landscaping, because I get more enjoyment out of the results. Everyone is different and can make different choices, but really fighting aging requires resources.

Yes, you have to decide what is important to you. I am all for exercising, because it is healthful. It is worth spending the money to eat good, healthy food (and good, healthy food is definitely more expensive than unhealthy food). But spending money on cosmetic procedures is not for me. People who worry so much about wrinkles are too shallow for me. Many of us derive more satisfaction from spending time with friends and family, etc., and have no time for or interest in people so caught up in appearances.

You could have simply ended your comment with "is not for me", but you decided to nastily bash people who choose differently than you. It sounds like that's what you actually derive satisfaction from!

Um, it is shallow. I'd rather talk to someone who's been spending their time and money diving on the Great Barrier Reef, or becoming a serious horticulturalist, than someone who has spent their time gazing in the mirror, wondering if her brow is slightly less smooth than it was six months ago, and spending money to futilely slow the inexorable march of time. The first two would have really interesting things to say, the latter...well.

This is so ridiculous. People can attend to beauty and also have various interests and intellectual pursuits. It's absurd to think that you can't get botox, use antiaging facial products, upgrade your makeup and maintain a current wardrobe - and also travel, indulge hobbies, keep up with politics and world events, and contribute to intellectual conversations.