Sherry,

Society's perceptions, that's all it is. According to society, women are *supposed* to look beautiful. According to this same society, we men are free from worry about our looks. That's because the rules were originally set by men. However, that doesn't free us from worrying about *aging*. FWIW, when I turned 40, it didn't bother me at all. However, I recently turned 42, and now we're talkin' a whole new ball game!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Dave
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Lee Bell 
  To: [log in to unmask] 
  Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2000 2:53 PM
  Subject: Re: [SCUBA-SE] Off topic content not serious


  Sherry wrote:

  I am turning 40 and for some reason for me its bothering me. This is an old
  question not really wanting an answer: Why is it that when men grow old get
  some wrinkles, they look distinguish. But when women get old they look like
  hags?

  It's our reward for having looked plain for so many years.  As near as I can
  tell, 40 was no big deal, at least not the big deal I felt it was going to
  be.  Come to think of it, 50 wasn't too bad either.  My wife turns 40 this
  year and, aside from a really big party, I don't expect she'll feel much
  different either.  As for turning into a hag, I don't think so.  She's still
  as beautiful as they day we were married, to me.  Love's kind of funny that
  way.

  Oh yes, she's still my favorite dive buddy.

  Lee