Is It True That 40 Is the New 20?

Have you heard that 40 is the new 20 when it comes to finding love? Because we certainly have, and we think that it might be true!

For a long time, women considered their 20s as the only decade that mattered when it came to romance. 

If you were 30 and single you were basically an old maid, and if you were 40 and single, your chances of finding love were even lower.

However, these days it seems that the cultural perspective on women in their 40s has shifted. Women are celebrating their 40s rather than dreading them. 

Some women are coming into their own like never before in their fourth decade. They’re successful, they’re confident, and they know what they want, especially when it comes to love. 

So, here’s our take on why dating in your 40s is second-to-none.

6 Reasons Why 40 is the New 20

You understand who you are 

Dating can bring out some of our best traits, such as generosity and thoughtfulness, but also some of our bad ones, like jealousy.

By 40, you probably understand your flaws and strengths and aware of what kind of people bring out both. This means that you’re in a great position to surround yourself with people who bring out the best version of you. 

It also means you’re aware of your flaws and can start working on them. Addressing any negative mindsets and behaviors means you’re becoming your best self. 

You’re more confident than ever 

When it comes to confidence, there’s no doubt that 40 is the new 20. 

A strong woman comes into her prime in her 40s and she only gets better with age. Not only is realizing your worth empowering, but studies also show that having this confidence is sexy too!

By the time you’re 40, you know yourself much better than you did when you were 20 years old. You’re capable of being independent and you’ve created a thriving life for yourself.  

Better yet? You’re not relying on anyone else to feel this way. The only validation you crave is your own. Knowing this can be pretty liberating. 

You understand that you’re more than what you look like 

A person in their 20s is more likely to struggle with their body image and appearance than someone in their 40s. Why? Because younger people are often very concerned with other people’s opinions. 

They want to please their parents, their friends, their crush, the list goes on. But when you’re 40? You’re past that. You only want to please yourself.

You know that you’re more valuable than your crow lines or the extra few inches around your waist.

Your ability to attract a partner and grow a relationship has more to do with your personality, values, and sense of humor than it does with your dress size. At 40, you understand that true beauty comes from within. 

You’re better at communicating 

Achieving healthy communication in relationships is vital. 

Let’s face it when you were in your 20s were you able to clearly and respectfully voice your needs and desires to your partner?

Did you know how to calmly navigate an argument without it turning into a dramatic screaming match? 

Were you even comfortable stating what you wanted in a relationship? Probably not.

While being in your 40s doesn’t guarantee you crystal clear communication, it probably means that you value communication more than you did in your 20s. 

Understanding how integral communication is means that you’ll take it seriously. That alone can make a big difference.

You won’t throw out insults because you’re in a bad mood or drunkenly say “I love you” to someone you’ve just met because you know that what you say, and how you say it, matters. That’s huge.

You’ve lived long enough to know that life is too short for guessing games and miscommunication. 

You’re not swayed by social media 

When you’re dating at 40, social media doesn’t rule your life the way it does when you’re 20.  

You don’t need to make your relationship “Instagram official” nor do you feel compelled to snoop every inch of your love interest’s profile.

You have more constructive things to do with your time than use social media as the litmus test in your relationship. 

You’re actually ready for “the one”

Unlike twentysomethings, a person in their 40s has come into their own mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. 

By now, you’ve probably had a ton of dating and relationship experience, maybe even a long-term relationship or marriage. 

These life experiences will have taught you not only what you want in a relationship, but also what you can bring to one. 

When you’re more comfortable and confident as an individual, you’re better prepared to share your life with someone. Timing is everything.

40 is the new 20 when it comes to romance because you’ve got time, wisdom, and experience on your side. Your 40s come with a certain type of confidence in who you are that can’t be emulated in your 20s. 

You’re brave, badass, and ready for “the one” but you don’t need them, and that’s the best gift of all. 

About the author: Brianne Hogan

Brianne is a Canadian freelance writer who's been writing about dating and relationships longer than any of her relationships. She applies a "do what I say, not do what I do" approach to her articles, and believes you can find Your Person mostly when you aren't looking. So enjoy your life, and eat lots of cheese (at least that's her motto). Her byline's been featured on Thrillist, The Huffington Post, HelloGiggles, Elle Canada, Flare, Awesomeness TV, among others.

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