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One of my favorite daily rituals takes place after the kids get on the bus and before Tim goes to work. We sit and have coffee together and, ideally, this is a time for peaceful reflection and camaraderie. But sometimes I slip and turn it into a fretting session.

The other day my fretting was on getting older. I don’t remember what set it off exactly (my looming birthday, perhaps?), but I do remember what Tim’s reply was:

“When I see a woman who looks good in her forties, I think she’s more attractive than someone who looks good in her 20s because it’s harder to do.”

I ate that right up, let me tell you.

Of course Tim wasn’t just talking about combating the effects of gravity. We more mature women have so many things pulling us in different directions that taking time to exercise and moisturize and get enough sleep can seem impossible.

So, yes, we might have to work a little harder. But I want to be like those women over 40 I admire who’ve kept that spring in their step and sparkle in their eye.

And just for fun: Have you read this little gem by Andy Rooney on women over 40?