NORTHERN PLANNER

  So what’s good about being older then? Here’s 10 thoughts that may be useful.

1. You’ve had the chance to learn from a lot of mistakes – this means you’ll make less from now on and appreciate what they can teach you when they still occur from time to time.

2. You’ve gone through the impatient ‘I want to experience everything’ phase. You know what you want now, but you appreciate what you have more.

3. As you get older, you become more inclined to play it safe. This means you have to work harder at being childish – this is fun.

4. If you’re single, it’s far nicer to meet someone than it was. Now the waistline, bone density,  hairline and other stuff aren’t what they were, you appreciate being wanted. Since you’ve had practice at relationships, you’re more likely to make this one work (or there’s no help for you!).

5. Women improve with age. They become calmer, less idealistic. Instead of believing there is one person who may give purpose to their lives, they become far more independent. His happiness isn’t totally your responsibilty, nor is his yours. Much better for all concerned.

6. Men get better with age. They’re less bothered about impressing their mates and more bothered about pleasing themselves. Much better for all concerned (see above).

7. Your circle of friends has been edited down. You’re left with relationships that have stood the test of time, and will probably stay that way. If you’re married, you’re more likely to stay married.

8. You’ve had time to collect experiences. This makes you more interesting, which makes meeting people easier. Since you’re in less of a rush these days, you also take time to listen more – this is probably even more helpful.

9. The people that like you will probably stick with you, since they’ve had long enough to get sick of your annoying habits. You’re also more patient with rash, impatient youths, since you now understand you were this bad once too.

10. You’ve always loved your parents and elders (hopefully). Now that you’re going through more of what they did you learn to respect them more. It also means you’ve got more in common, so they become friends as well as Mum and Dad. Trust me, one of the nicest things is sharing a beer with Dad and having plenty to talk about.

11(bonus) You’re more comfortable with what you like. If you like U2 your not embarrased to play it any more. You buy clothes because they suit you, not because the style police say so. You’re not as confused by the ever growing choices we’re faced with these days either.

12 (bonus) Retro trends mean you can recycle some your favourite old stuff AND appear cool.

13. (bonus) You have more money to do the things you like, and not waste time on things you don’t.

14. People stay younger for longer, espescially mentally. This gives you the scope to enjoy far more stuff than people your age did twenty years ago.