I have come to the realization that I am no longer in the target demographic for Cosmopolitan magazine. I’ll tell you why. After reading the latest issue, I realized that there wasn’t one article to which I could relate. Between all the waxing, trimming, tanning and dieting going on, I was exhausted. Who has the time for all that?
I’d imagine that if you are a twentysomething and only have to care about yourself, great. I’m not. There’s a house, kids, dog and husband all vying for my attention. Thank goodness. Isn’t that what all the primping is supposed to get you?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about personal appearance. Keeping in shape, eating healthy and finding pleasure should be at the top of all our lists. It just so happens that I’m only concerned about beauty tips from the waist up. If you’ve read the current issue, you’ll know what I mean. There was a time in my life where I loved taking the quizzes about my love life and following all the latest trends on hair and makeup. But that time has come and gone.
I’m in the middle of a hot flash.
At a certain point, it’s no longer all about us. Is there time for manicures and a glass of wine at lunch? You betcha. But you also have to get home in time to make dinner and pick somebody up from some kind of practice.
And you know what? I wouldn’t trade it for all the glamor and lip gloss in the world.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I absolutely LOVED this post!
I often sit and marvel at how I have slipped past the "demographic" of some of my favorite mags and TV Shows.
Cosmo as you mentioned is one of them. In college I would read their lusty articles about how to be the best sex goddess on the block, use their beauty tips and quizzes as you mentioned. Sadly I kicked Cosmo to the curb years ago (I am now 54).
A year ago I subscribed to "Lucky Mag" and promptly canceled my subscription after I received the first one. I am also waaaaay past what their articles deem to be important.
I watch Rachael Ray every morning and lately am feeling "hot" (not with a flash!) when I watch her (hey she is going to be 42 and HAS to be perimenopausal) but hot with anger at what seems to be a new fixation her show has with the late 20 and early 30 somethings. (What about the Menopausal Mary's like myself who supported her BEFORE she was a household name??)
Your post made me somewhat wistful, made me laugh and made me grateful as you are for how far we have come and what we are today!
Now….where is my latest issue of AARP?
Caren-
Thanks so much for your insight and kind thoughts. I gave up on Rachael Ray a long time ago, too.
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