I'm early 40s. Best so far: late 30s / early 40s.

Stable and comfortable in my marriage, still have a spark. Comfortable enough in my own skin to be happy spending time doing things that make me happy, and with people who make me happy - no need to keep up with the Joneses.

I've reached a good place in my career. No need to kill myself, but still plenty of growth to be had. I can make a difference; but I've also proven myself enough that if I want to blow off with Thursday afternoon to take my kids out for ice cream, I can block my calendar off and do it. (Within reason, of course!)

My kids are old enough to be somewhat independent, still want to be around us, fun to travel and camp with, and just a joy to be around. They're like real people, but still kids in some of the most endearing ways.

Life is good.

I've really enjoyed my 50s. College was fun, too.

Definitely ages 17 to 29. So much fun, early career success and not many problems. Being married and having kids is fine but far too much stress and too many bad days to beat those sunny days of youth.

My favorite time was age 18 or 19 to 27.

Also some heartbreaking lessons in love, so some parts were sad.

All in all it was exciting.

College

Anonymous wrote:Late 20s and early 30s. Grad school, new experiences, dating, and traveling. My parents were healthy and I had very little responsibility other than to myself.

+1 to all of that

Late 20s and early 30s. Grad school, new experiences, dating, and traveling. My parents were healthy and I had very little responsibility other than to myself.

Post-college/grad school. First 'real apartment' and living with my best friend from college as an adult with my own $$. I loved college, but I really came into my own around 26. As someone that was always 'girl next door', I had men swarming during that time. I also met my husband and was traveling Internationally almost ever other weekend with him, and extended times. We would travel internationally with good friends and stay a week or more here and there.

It was just a really fun time.

Retirement It's great when you have enough money, good health, and a loving spouse. I am lucky enough to have all of these.

Anonymous wrote:Most people on DCUM aren’t 80, and therefore have limited life experience. How can one answer this fully before living a majority of your life?

Just speak from experience. Best stage of life SO FAR

College, then my first real job/first apartment in my mid-20’s, followed by the newlywed years.

I love my family and children, but life is so much easier when you’re only responsible for yourself.

The hardest years have been the sandwich years taking care of elderly parents and kids. That has aged me so much.

Most people on DCUM aren’t 80, and therefore have limited life experience. How can one answer this fully before living a majority of your life?

College was my fave

Mid-20s. Earning money, young, having a lot of fun, few responsibilities.

I’m having a midlife crisis with a feeling that my best years are behind me. It got me questioning what other middle aged and older people feel have been their favorite stages of life. I loved having young kids and am so sad that’s behind me.