Modern media has always treated the topic as if it was the end of something significant — a time to wave the proverbial white flag. In the 1989 cult classic film When Harry Met Sally, Meg Ryan’s character is told, “You’re 31 years old and the clock is ticking.” In Something Borrowed, Ginnifer Goodwin’s character hears the line, “You’re 30, you can’t be picky.” Oh, and there is an entire Friends episode dedicated to each character’s 30th birthday.
I turn 30 this month. Contrary to popular sentiment, I have always been excited by the prospect of growing older, especially in my late twenties, but it feels different this time — largely because it is. It is the literal beginning of a new decade, and the anticipation of my 30th birthday makes me feel the way I feel every New Year’s Eve. Reflective and regretful, hopeful and cynical. I feel proud of the person I am, but I also feel like I’m not where I want to be. I don’t feel old yet I feel like I’m running out of time to do all the things I want to achieve. It feels like there are years of possibility ahead of me, but also that it’s too late to make any real change in my life. There’s a lot I feel like I should have done by now but I’m not even anywhere close. I’m not married. I have no kids. I don’t have my own place. Against all the measures of conventional success, I fall short in every way. But I also know I’m not the only one who feels like this.
Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av ELLE Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av ELLE Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Paradise In Slow Motion
Lush landscapes, pristine beaches, colonial architecture, abundant wildlife and warm hospitality-Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of experiences best savoured at leisure.
Rebel With A Cause
Stylistic dichotomies lie at the heart of Chinese designer Di Du's work. She shares how this love for the subversive has been the key to her namesake label's success.
Count The Seconds
Never underestimate the power of a watch to elevate your look-even more so when it's a good-looking chronograph. These BELOW-40MM NUMBERS will do the trick.
The Promising Future Of Skin
From ectoins to nutricosmetics to collagen banking, the latest cosmetic trends are looking bright.
Johnny Depp 'I Am The 2,000-Year-Old Man!'
Johnny Depp is back in the limelight. Behind the camera, he has directed his second film, MODI, set for release this autumn. In front of the camera, he is still embodying "SAUVAGE" for Christian Dior Parfums with a new scent, "EAU FORTE". In this exclusive interview with ELLE, the polymorphous artist opens up about his creative journey.
A Timeless Love Story
Far from being at war with each other, disparate generations can be brought together by tumultuous times-with transformative consequences. PHOEBE LUCKHURST celebrates the charm, comfort, and community found in an ageless approach to friendship.
CHIC in the city
South Korean actress Mun Ka Young shows how to rock TUMI's fall 2024 collection that's inspired by the dynamic architecture of Seoul.
Igniting the Creative Spark
MUST-SEE EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES WORTH CATCHING DURING Singapore Design Week.
SPEED Queens
Racing veteran Susie Wolff talks about closing the gender gap in motorsports with an all-girls racing championship.
Crème de la Crème
Ultra-luxurious moisturisers that will have your r skin looking like radiant perfection.