One day.
I was browsing the web this weekend when I stumbled on a Yahoo article claiming to uncover our happiest age. What’s the magic age you ask? From Yahoo:
Friends Reunited, a U.K. website, found that 70 percent of respondents over the age of 40 said they did not find true happiness until they were 33 years old.
As a psychologist from the article explains, “Innocence has been lost, but our sense of reality is mixed with a strong sense of hope, a ‘can do’ spirit, and a healthy belief in our own talents and abilities.”
This makes sense to me. At age 29, I find myself growing more comfortable with, well, myself. I haven’t had the “I’m almost 30” panic, yet. In fact, a part of me looks forward to it. I’ve been fortunate enough to remain mostly on schedule with a lot of goals I’ve set out for myself, like getting out of debt, establishing my career, developing and improving my writing among a variety of other personal goals.
However, one goal that isn’t even on the horizon right now is marriage, since I’m not seriously dating anyone anymore. I honestly figured I would be married by this age but ironically, some of the same goals I listed in the proceeding paragraph have hampered this particular goal. For example, a number of women I dated couldn’t abide by the numerous – and there are many – sacrifices needed to be completely debt free by age 30. I don’t blame them but it is what it is. Furthermore, there are times when I can become one-track minded in pursuit of certain goals. Specifically, I have chosen my career over at least one woman in particular that I know for a fact I would have asked to marry me if we had stayed together. I later found out that if I had asked her to stay (she followed her career as well), she would have but that’s not my style. I’m not the type to stand in the way of ones pursuit of their goals/dreams, and I would hope someone would respectfully feel the same about me.
Other times, my career and personal goals have conflicted with the relationship goals of two people as a whole instead of me as a single man. Admittedly, I have chosen to remain single at times because it’s easier for me to focus on myself rather than a relationship. Relationships, even good ones (or especially good ones), take work – and I already have a job.
*shrugs*
What are your thoughts on the study? If you’re over 33, do you agree it was a good estimate of your happiest year? If you’re under 33, what do you think will be your happiest year based on your view of the future? In the grand scheme of things, are you happy with where your life is right now? Why or why not?
My 41st was my happiest. That’s when I decided fcuk it, Ima do whatever I want. 😀
I think this is accurate. once you hit your late 20s and early 30s you know who you are, have the financial means to getr what you want, and are just able to enjoy youself without the usual adolescent pressures consuming you. Good post
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I have no idea what my happiest year will be. I'm just looking forward to it. I always thought that I'd be where I wanted to be in life by age 25, but since that age has come and gone I'm coming to grips with the idea that I may have miscalculated.
While I'm not unhappy with my life right now, I can say I'm not completely satisfied. I somehow underestimated my ability to make very immature decisions and put most of my stock into a relationship that would eventually crash and burn a few years later. Lucky for me I was smacked back to reality by the backhand of the universe. Now that I've begun to focus on my goals again, I may be able to fall in line with the study results and be happy by age 33 too (maybe even before). Very interesting post!
I hit 33 in August and I'd say the study sounds pretty accurate. I can honestly say I haven't been this happy with life in quite some time. Ive finally figured me out! I still have yet to figure women out but they cant even figure out themselves so that works to my favor..lol #lifesgood!
This makes sense to me, somewhat. I'm terrified of getting older because I seen a lot of older people, married, with kids, and they don't have great social lives. (This has just been my experience). At the same time, these last couple of years, I know better about what's important and what isn't. I see within myself that I'm gaining a clearer understanding of who I am as I get older, losing a lot of the self consciousness that comes with being young and what not. Not to giving a fuck = happier times.
33 was pretty good, but so was 34 and 35… 36 has been the best so far… I've noticed things seem to be going upward!
I still have things to accomplish, yet I am in a good place. I am content with where I am, meaning I have built a strong foundation on which I can continue to build my life.
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Imma go 'head and cosign this article. I'll be 31 this year…and even with the divorce hiccup…I believe 33 will be quite fabulous. My 30th year alone has somehow flipped the "you're super grown now so finish growing up NOW" switch. I've made several personal transitions…and they've proven to be just what I needed to feel full. I'm in a great place…and I know it will only get better. 🙂
I was happy in my 20's but I took a lot for granted and was spoiled by fam and friends, and ignorance is bliss.
I'm in my mid 30's and happy that I'm working a good job that i really like, making good money and independent. I'll be happier when I have my own business which i what I'm working on and towards now.
Even though I haven't found "the one" I know exactly why I'm still single and glad I made the choices I made because they were for my greater good.
I honestly can't recall anything significant about 33 so I can't say if that was a magical age because I don't recall too much about it.
I realize I'm late but Wim, you consider asking someone to stay as standing in the way of their goals and dreams?