CONFIDENCE AND MIDLIFE DISCLAIMERS

“I think the best role models for women are people who are fruitfully and confidently themselves, who bring light into the world.”

This weekend I'm writing for the Millers Seeing Me Project blog about the ever present use of the midlife disclaimer "she looks good for her age". I've been guilty of saying it and I know I've heard it used time and time again in response to midlife women on the red carpet or in magazine articles.

When did we start adding that disclaimer? And why do we do it? An even more important question is - What do we do about it? I think it all boils down to confidence in yourself and your choices. At midlife we've earned the right to ignore the judgments and opinions others want to foist onto us and we can be truly ourselves.


13 comments

  1. Another great post Leanne, I commented over at the Millers site. Let's just enjoy our age - we are fabulous!

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    1. thanks so much Sue - and yes I'm all for enjoying this age and stage!

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  2. I will read at the Millers site. Thanks, these types of post our keeping us young LOL

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    1. I think age is a state of mind and it's nice to stay as young as you can but with the wisdom of midlife!

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  3. The quote is great! Meryl Streep is one of my fave actresses.. Its absolutely all about confidence, you're right and not caring what others think...

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    1. I love Meryl too - I think she is such a fantastic advocate of confidence and having her act together!

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  4. I love Meryl, she is very real and true to herself and has even said that if she were to audition now as her 20 something self she would not be hired because she is not pretty enough! Ha!

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    1. I love her too Mary - she is such an authentic person (judging by stuff I've seen attributed to her) and she's not classically beautiful but she just shines.

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  5. Meryl Streep is a legend! I love her! - just checked out the millers post too which was really reflective and definitely got me thinking about "the disclaimer" :p it's made me see a different side to something I hadn't considered as an issue!!

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    1. thanks Charlotte - it's just something that seems to come up as you get older (you're too young for it yet - might you might hear yourself think it now!) Thanks for checking out the Millers site too x

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  6. I had my son when I was 40 years old so I have always been older than the other moms. I try not to let it bother me so if I get that compliment, I am delighted. I enjoyed reading your post. I read at the Millers site also.

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    1. thanks Sherry - I think having a child later in life keeps you in touch with younger people and by association you think and behave more youthfully - so it's a bonus for you x

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  7. I think that regardless of age, we all look good! Thanks for sharing your post this week at the Over the Moon Link Party.

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Thanks so much for your comment - it's where the connection begins.