5 Things That Are Forbidden When You're 40+

I myself have long passed 40 and have closely observed my colleagues of the same age. Many with admiration, some with wonder. You are in the life-threatening interbellum between a late thirty-something and quite elderly. As so often, the secret lies in the details.

The iPhone case with card slots

You know it, you know it. Not a cozy iPhone case, but one with a cover that falls over your screen and has handy slots on the inside where you can store your debit card and driver's license. Practical. Practical = not sexy. Practical. Brrr.

Wordfeud

The average age of the Wordfeud player is 65. And how come you have time to play Wordfeud?

The iPad

Definitely a dangerous device. The iPad is mainly used by children and the elderly. You're really over the hill when you take photos with your iPad. And especially when the protective flap is dangling under your iPad.

Girlfriend

A corporal phenomenon. You have boyfriends and girlfriends. Listen. You are now over 40. You have friends and girlfriends. And if someone just doesn't deserve that title, you say acquaintance. Got it?

You wouldn't say it, but

People who are getting older often have reverse age anorexia. Where an anorexia patient sees themselves as much heavier than the outside world perceives, we over-forty-somethings often think we have the appearance, energy, and presence of mid-twenties. Sometimes we suddenly say very silly things like: “I still have the same body as when I was twenty,” or: “You might not say it, but I’m already 45. Can you imagine?” Yes, they can imagine it very well. They actually find you ancient. If someone feels the need to give you a compliment, they will certainly do it. And otherwise, you can actually round it all up better. Say: I’m already approaching fifty. Then reality is only better. I hope.