Life lessons

I rather liked this piece on what you learn in your 40s.

In particular, three bits struck me as particularly useful. First,

There are no grown-ups. We suspect this when we are younger, but can confirm it only once we are the ones writing books and attending parent-teacher conferences. Everyone is winging it, some just do it more confidently.

I think you actually learn this at whatever age you have children. One day there is that flash of insight that your own parents must have felt just a clueless raising you as you feel raising your own children. At that moment, much becomes clear that was previously unclear.

Second,

You will miss out on some near soul mates. This goes for friendships, too. There will be unforgettable people with whom you have shared an excellent evening or a few days. Now they live in Hong Kong, and you will never see them again. That’s just how life is.

This is, I think, one of the saddest bits of life. Being able to travel a lot helps, but does not really solve the problem.

And third,

Forgive your exes, even the awful ones. They were just winging it, too.

Indeed.