Turning 30 comes with a lot of perks, including confidence, experience, and a better sense of what you want in life. But it also comes with a few things that make women roll their eyes or cringe a little more than they used to. Whether it’s outdated comments, unnecessary pressure, or habits they’re ready to leave behind, here are some of the things women say make them cringe after 30.
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“You still don’t have kids?”
This is a question women over 30 have heard a million times by now. Childbearing is a personal decision, and most women would prefer it to stay that way.
“You look good for your age!”
Forcing an age-related qualifier onto a compliment just highlights how much people worry about women and aging. It’s such a cliché that it makes women groan every time they hear it.
Calling women “girls” all the time
Being called a “girl” can seem condescending, juvenile, or otherwise off-putting after the age of 30. It’s just not something most women like to be called, especially at work or in formal situations.
“Ticking biological clock” jokes
Humor at the expense of a woman’s fertility, age, or desire to have children is more than a little outdated. Toning down this type of talk goes a long way towards being more respectful.
“You’re too old to wear that”
Women shouldn’t need permission to wear what they want, whether its’ short skirts, bold lipstick, fun haircuts. Cringe-worthy as it is, unsolicited criticism of a woman’s “age-appropriate” style is still all too common.
“You’re just being hormonal”
Throwing around a “hormonal” excuse for a woman’s behavior is disrespectful and annoying. But it’s even worse after 30, when most women have learned to express their feelings in a healthier way.
“You’re so brave for showing your natural body”
Calling it “brave” to wear a swimsuit or go makeup-free suggests there’s something wrong with looking natural. Most women would rather just be seen as normal.
Diet or weight obsession talk
Talking about diets, weight loss, “cheat days,” and other body-related issues can become really grating. Most women are past that stage and want to just be healthy and happy with their body image.
“When are you settling down?”
There’s nothing wrong with staying single, dating casually, or even just living your life without a spouse or partner in mind. Women should not be pressured to “settle down” just because they’ve hit the big 3-0.
Over-apologizing for everything
Many women realize after 30 how often they’ve been conditioned to say “sorry” for things that don’t need an apology. And it’s something they’re working to shake off.
“You’re too old for social media”
Social media doesn’t have an age limit! Women over 30 (or under, for that matter) have just as much right to be on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any other platform.
Obsessing over turning 30 like it’s a crisis
Many women find that hitting 30 isn’t the big disaster people make it out to be. The panic around this milestone often feels silly and overhyped in hindsight.
Acting like skincare equals anti-aging only
The majority of women over 30 take care of their skin for health reasons rather than a fear of wrinkles or getting “old.” Acting like skincare is only for women trying to “look young” is getting pretty old.
Assuming career paths are set in stone
Many people feel you need to have your career or life path already decided by the time you turn 30. Women know this is just not true, and it’s something they bristle at when people say or imply it.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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