By 10 Myths About Midlife Crisis That Are Rarely True
When he was a teenager in his twenties, he never worried about getting old. In that phase of life, it feels like you have all the time in the world. Unfortunately, time seems to creep up on us; some call this phase, “midlife crisis.”
Before you know it, you have aches and pains that seem to be amplified by changes in the weather. When you look in the mirror in the morning, do you fear a midlife crisis is coming?
Depending on the variables of gender, race, and lifestyle, the average age expectancy of an American is currently 78 years. If you divide that number in half, the midpoint of life would be 39 years. Some people see turning 40 as the beginning of their midlife decline, while others say it begins at 50.
Is there a midlife crisis? Is the sum of your life only calculated from birth to middle age? Are you destined for a mental breakdown when you hit that dreaded number, or is it more hype than true?
Middle-aged studies
The term midlife crisis was coined in 1965 by Elliott Jacques, Canadian psychoanalyst. During his research, which lasted almost a quarter of a century, Jacques believed that when people reach the middle of their lives, they become depressed and do unusual things to stop the aging process.
Decades later, psychologists and social scientists have again examined the alleged condition called midlife crisis. Some say that some points of the theory may be valid, while others doubt that it even happens. They agree that your body goes through hormonal fluctuations and other physical challenges as you age, but they’re not sure it’s a real crisis.
Of course, nobody wants to get old. The new aches and pains, fine lines, and wrinkles you discover are subtle reminders of your mortality. But does reaching 40 or 50 mean that the midlife crisis is imminent?
10 midlife crisis myths to debunk
If you are near middle age or already there, you don’t need to feel that such a midlife disaster is inevitable. Many middle-aged people claim that these have proven to be the best years of their lives. Here are ten myths of the midlife crisis debunked.
Myth # 1. Everyone experiences it.
Have you been led to believe that you will also have a midlife crisis since other family members experienced a midlife crisis? There is no evidence to back that up because this, like everyone else, has individual experiences. In a national research project conducted by Midlife in the United States, only 26 percent of the participants He claimed to have experienced a crisis between the ages of 40 and 50.
Some people may use this so-called life dilemma as an excuse to spend uncontrollably or become unusually promiscuous. It may be that some people go through these states of uncertainty due to the power of suggestion of society. You may have some depression and soul searching, but that doesn’t mean you will have a complete break with reality when you reach middle age.
Myth # 2. Your life is almost over.
Reaching the midpoint of your life expectancy can create the illusion that your life is in decline. It depends on whether your point of view is optimistic or pessimistic. Do you see the glass half full or half empty?
Remember that no one is promised tomorrow, so every moment is a gift to be accepted joy and gratitudeme. Russian culture has a lovely way of looking at the middle-aged years. When they experience a change to warm weather after an autumn cold snap, they call it Babuletta. It comes from an old Russian term for a middle-aged lady when she is in her prime of beauty.
Other cultures around the world also view middle age and the aging process with dignity and respect. Could it be that the unrealistic ideals of the Western world cause people to fear midlife so much that it becomes a crisis? Your life doesn’t end until you die.
Myth # 3. It happens after your parents pass away.
As Americans live longer, the more likely one or both of their parents will be alive in their 40s or 50s. The death of a parent is devastating, no matter how old you are. You may feel like you’ve lost your foundation and the loving support you’ve had all your life.
It is true that some people have psychological crises due to pain of losing a parent. Losing both parents makes you feel like an orphan at any age and, understandably, your pain would be excruciating. However, most people cope with the loss with the support of family, friends, and faith, and do not experience a midlife crisis.
Myth # 4. You will never get over empty nest syndrome.
Another milestone that he reaches in life in middle age is for his children to become adults and leave the nest. It will take some time to adjust to having more space in your home and not seeing your adult children every day. Some parents slip into a deep depression with empty nest syndrome, but it doesn’t always culminate in a midlife crisis.
Myth # 5. Life change is always negative.
Yes, there are some negatives about aging. However, have you considered the benefits of reaching middle age? It may be difficult for a time when your children leave the nest, but think of all the extra space you will get. Plus, you’ll have more time to do the things you’ve always wanted to do.
Most auto insurance companies offer you a discount as you age and you may be eligible for other savings and benefits. You may also have different options for investing in your retirement plan with many years in a company. Being middle-aged is not the end of your journey. No wonder they call it “The Golden Years.”
Myth No. 6: The New Sports Car and Spending Overboard
This is one of the biggest stereotypes in Hollywood about the middle-aged man. You see your youthful days are behind you and you need something flashy and expensive to make up for it. Don’t most people assume that when they see a man in his 40s or 50s in a fancy new sports car, he’s going through a midlife crisis?
Overspending can occur at any age for both men and women. Some people become chronic shoppers and almost go broke buying frivolous things to try to impress others. If you have an addictive personality, you may go into a spending frenzy in your middle age, but you may not.
Myth # 7: Trade your old spouse for a newer model
Some people try to use a midlife crisis as a reason to have a lover by their side, especially men. Sorry guys, there is no excuse to cheat on your spouse, nor is it an excuse for women. It’s true that all marriages have their ups and downs, but reaching middle age doesn’t mean it’s time to quit.
You will often see men who have been married for years suddenly divorce their wives and marry women half their age. It’s another stereotypical scenario. If a man or woman is cheating on their spouses or trading them for someone younger, the marriage may have stalled for years before reaching middle age.
Myth # 8: Trying to dress and act younger.
By his definition, today’s society and Hollywood put intense pressure on everyone to stay young, slim, and sexy. She often leaves no room for those who embrace her beauty and style. Recent reports show that the beauty industry worth around $ 532 billion And growing.
It’s okay to be yourself and grow old gracefully. Do you think celebrities are fooling anyone with the quirky cosmetic surgeries, hair plugs and wigs, and clown makeup? Have you ever felt sorry for that footballer father in his forties but is trying to dress like his 15-year-old son?
Love your body and learn to dress according to age. You don’t need to try to fool anyone by dressing up or acting younger than you are. You are only fooling yourself.
Myth # 9: Crisis of faith or belief system
Socrates’ words remind us that an unexamined life is not worth living. At some point, you may have a crisis of faith and begin to doubt what you have been taught. It is not automatic as soon as you turn 40 or 50 years old.
There comes a time when you examine your faith as you see it, not as you were told. There are inconsistencies, misinterpretations, and a history of corrupt power in all religions. However, you can make an informed decision to maintain, modify, or move away from your belief system. Often times, a crisis of faith can make you more open and stronger spiritually.
Myth # 10: quit your career to do something crazy.
The story is brimming with stories about people who became disenchanted with the careers of their lives and made a midlife change for something they enjoyed. Hollywood has mocked the midlife career shift with characters leaving their lucrative careers to become farmers, circus clowns, or professional hikers.
Of course, life is too short to get stuck in something you despise. If you want a Career change, it is not necessary to wait until middle age. You also don’t have to wait until a crisis hits to take that cruise or European backpacking vacation you’ve always dreamed of.
Final thoughts on dispelling the myth of a midlife crisis
We are all different and there is no definite point in life that requires you to fall apart. While many people struggle with a typical midlife crisis, it’s not a sign that it will. You only get one chance to live life to the fullest, so there is no reason to worry about age. Enjoy every minute of every day.
