You’ve heard the term YOLO, you probably know it means “You Only Live Once” but as a mature adult you refuse to use it as it’s akin to calling someone “bitch” (Jesse from Breaking Bad Style).
This week there’s been a lot of events that have led to this post from my own massive relocation to my friend’s marriage woes.
It made me realise that YOLO means much more to those of us over 30, and we know how to YOLO much better than those who invented the term.
- No More Bad Sex
Before 30, you take bad sex on the chin as there’s plenty of time to try again. After 30 life is so busy that if you’re going to have sex you want to make sure it’s good sex. No, “never mind I’ll orgasm next time” No, “Well maybe we’re just learning about each other”. The internet is a wonderful resource and bad sex is no longer an option.
- No More Painful Monday Mornings
It’s after 30 that you realise life really is short and sometime between 30 and 40 you might decide to act. There’s a phrase, “Either put up and shut up or change it”. If you’re moaning about work every day and dread Monday mornings, it’s time for a new job, further education or a rethink about those dreams you had as a kid.
- No More Mrs Nice Guy
You’re a great person, your partner is a lucky man. You treat him well and do what you can to make him happy. He should do the same. If he doesn’t there’s plenty of fish in the sea and you’re young enough to change direction and be with someone who really appreciates you.
- No More Caring About Others Opinions
There comes a point, almost to the day, where you realise in your thirties that other people’s opinions don’t matter. Why should you change to suit someone’s idea of the perfect person? You shouldn’t. YOLO.
- No More Apologising
In the same way, you may also realise that you say sorry far too much. “I’m sorry if I offended you, I didn’t mean to.” No, if someone took offence that was their prerogative and it’s up to them to lighten up. If they know you, they know you don’t mean any harm.
- No More Excuses
You’re a parent, you’re a cook, probably a wife and a career woman. You’re in your pyjamas at 2pm on a Saturday afternoon. During your teens and tweens this was acceptable but at some point in your late twenties you started explaining why to the postman. “I had a really bad night’s sleep” and on it goes. STOP. It’s your life, if you want to be in your pyjamas at 2pm you don’t need any other reason other than you like it!
- No More Awkward Social Encounters
When YOLO finally hits in your thirties you think, YES, it’s true, every moment is precious. Therefor you shouldn’t have to spend your precious free time with people you can’t stand (work is a different kettle of fish). If there’s something you don’t want to do, don’t do it, you can use the time to spend it with the people you really love instead.
- No More Victim
Through your years of experience you’ve realised that even if it was someone else’s fault, you’ll get nowhere blaming them. You’ve taken control of your own life and you know only you and you alone can make the good things happen.
