Right now! 45. I kind of wish I was thinner though - lol!

About age 27 to 33. Old enough to have a good foothold on my career, a little money to spend, and independence in every way. Dated some wonderful people over that stretch, traveled, saw lots of live music, had quality time with friends — and didn’t feel the weight of responsibility that you do when you’re married with children. But by my mid-30s some of the air started coming out of the balloon as it occurred to me that by not making choices — about a long-term partner, having kids, settling down — I would soon be limiting, or even eliminating, the possibilities of those choices. The carefree single days couldn’t go on forever, unless I wanted to try to freeze them in time while my friends and peers paired up and settled down. So I did, too. Having a spouse and family brings many rewards, but I’ll always look back fondly on that earlier time.

I asked my mom about this since she is older and has more life experience. She says best years were young kids .. after potty training but before puberty. Worst years were 50s because she had to take care of aging parents, one with dementia. Once they passed away it was like a cloud lifted. Now she seems happy in her old age, they are comfortable financially and can take off for a getaway whenever they want. Personally my 20s weren't all that fun since I didn't have any money!

"Women invest a lot of their self worth into their physical desirability, which wanes with age. Men invest a lot of their self worth into their professional success, which increases with age."

Sexist much?

I'm pretty $&^ happy that I'm hitting 500K and aiming to go higher over the next few years.

-50 y.o. woman

Mid 30’s to mid 40’s when our kids were young and really wanted to be with us. We had a ton of fun as a family. We are now 70 and enjoying this retired stage with grandchildren but less energy and aches and pains takes away some of the joy. Our 50’s were very work focused for retirement and paying for college. They were rewarding years but not joyful.

Anonymous wrote:40's, which is right now. My kids are in MS. My job is fine. My social life is fun. I'm getting in better shape.

But, when I think about it, my favorite stage of life has always been the stage that I'm currently in. I don't know if that will always be the case. though. I expect not.

Same here. I have always enjoyed where I am in life besides a few family tragedies/professional hiccups. I wouldn't return to a different phase in my life. I'm early 40s male. I suspect answers to this question would differ based on sex. Women invest a lot of their self worth into their physical desirability, which wanes with age. Men invest a lot of their self worth into their professional success, which increases with age. I think ultimately if you are in love with the person you're with, you happy in your stage of life with that person no matter what age it is. The "I'd love to return to my college/grad school years" is really sad imo.

I'm feeling a bit like I got cheated right now. I was really looking forward to the current stage of my life -- late 50's, good health, enough money and children launched. I really wanted to travel a lot but instead I have aging parents and don't feel great about traveling during a pandemic, not to mention how expensive everything has gotten.
wondering when it will go back to normal so I can enjoy this stage of life.

40's, which is right now. My kids are in MS. My job is fine. My social life is fun. I'm getting in better shape.

But, when I think about it, my favorite stage of life has always been the stage that I'm currently in. I don't know if that will always be the case. though. I expect not.

Anonymous wrote: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.

Same. Things look so bleak all of a sudden. I'm depressed and anxious all of a sudden.

College probably but it’s all been stressful. Military family with lots of moves, parents’ unhappy marriage, stressful work, severely autistic child, aging parents, health challenges in 60s.

Anonymous wrote: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.

I had a laugh with my wife about this after I posted. Her response: "but we met when you were 30!".
Oops. Well, I made it through 24 years of marriage but it looks like I might not make it to 25