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At What Age Did You Feel Most Confident?

DearSugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:00:00 -0700

It probably won't surprise you that most women feel their sexiest when they feel confident, but according to a recent article in the UK Telegraph, many women feel a lull of confidence at 44, which leads them to feel as though their life is over. The peak of female confidence is said to be between 18 and 30, but according to a recent survey, "the 30s can be a roller-coaster decade for women's confidence, which peaks again at 40 before drastically falling off."

Additionally, 80 percent of those that took the Bodyform Deo-Fresh poll for this study said they wanted to be more confident — again, not surprising — but even if you feel there's room for improvement, tell me, at what age did you feel most secure?

Source

Where Do You Stand? Friends of Different Ages

DearSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Throughout college and even after, my friends were all in the same age range, but over time I've found that the ages of my friends drastically vary. I've grown closer to the younger siblings of my friends, but also befriended women who are closer to my mom’s age than my own. And frankly, I appreciate the variation.

It’s reassuring to have a woman in my life who’s already been through it all tell me I’m going to be OK, and likewise, my younger friends remind me that being idealistic is a good thing! So where do you stand when it comes to having friends who are much older or younger than you? Are you for it? Or do you find it strange?

Source

Dear Poll: Do You Lie About Your Age?

DearSugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Age is a funny thing. Although it's just a number, many people in this world have a hard time admitting what year they were born. And with all the medical advances we have, it's harder than ever to even guess! I understand the concept behind lying about your age on a resume, but lying to friends or potential mates just doesn't make sense to me. Sure, admitting that I'm 30 is a harsh reality, but what good is it going to do if I tell people that I'm still 27? Even though it's silly, tell me ladies, do you lie about your age anyway? Don't worry, your secret is safe with me! Source

Dear Poll: Do You Lie About Your Age?

Yes, I've been lying about my age for years! I feel so much younger than I look so why not?

No, I don't see the point. Age is just a number anyway.

Other — Please explain.

Do Tell: Do You Still Date For Fun After a Certain Age?

DearSugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:00:00 -0700

When you reach a certain age, it's only human to think more seriously about your future in relation to the dating game. If getting married and having kids is of interest to you, many women are of the mindset that time is of the essence. Sure, dating is fun, but if there's no real connection, is there a point of going through the motions with someone you don't inevitably see yourself with? Though I believe you learn from each experience, I completely understand that mentality — you don't want to miss out on meeting Mr. Right when you're wasting time dating Mr. Right Now! I curious to know what you all think on this issue, so do tell, when you reach a certain age, is dating for fun no longer of interest to you?

Source

Great News: Sex Gets Better With Age

DearSugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:00:00 -0700

If you were worried that your sex life would start to wither away once you got older, new research should get you excited for old age. It turns out that in a Swedish study, both male and female 70 year olds said they have more sex now than they did in their 40s. If that wasn't promising enough, those same women said their sex lives were more satisfying. How awesome is that? Just as with wine, I guess sex gets better with age! It may have to do with the fact that attitudes about sex and sexuality are more open and positive now, but whatever the case, I'm just glad to know that the elderly are still enjoying intimacy, and that sex in your later years can be better than ever. Doesn't this give you hope?

Source

Dear Poll: Are You Old or Young For Your Age?

DearSugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:00:00 -0700

If age is just a number, then appearance isn’t the only thing that makes a person seem older or younger. In fact, I always have a terrible time guessing a person's age because I base my assumption on her personality more than anything else. Taking into account your personality over your appearance, how does your outward attitude compare to the age on your driver's license? Source

Dear Poll: Are You Old or Young For Your Age?

I definitely seem older than I am; I’m an old soul, I guess.

Just my own age — nothing more and nothing less.

People always tell me I seem younger than I am; I have a light-hearted spirit.

Undecided — It varies too much.

Other — Please Share!

What Was the Most Trivial Part of Your 20s?

DearSugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 09:00:00 -0700

The ladies from Sex and the City were on Oprah yesterday and while their visit was mainly all about the movie, they touched upon some other hot topics as well, age being one of them. All the women, including Oprah herself, were in agreement when saying their 20s were overrated, in fact Kristen Davis went so far to say that she was "kind of unhappy" in her 20s and she didn't know who she was. As someone that's about to be 30 myself, (gasp!!) I'm intrigued to see what all the hype's about. I get that your 20s is a confusing time, a time of self-discovery and trial and error, but I've got to be honest, my 20s weren't all that bad! Of course, I had my fair share of ups and downs, but all in all, I can't complain. So to all you 30-plus women out there, what was the most trivial time in your 20s? Are you with the SATC's girls — were your 20s not all that great in comparison to where you are now?

Source

You Asked: I'm Dating My Professor

DearSugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

I started seeing an awesome guy a few months ago. We have great conversations and our sexual relationship is amazing. Unfortunately, there are a few issues. For one, he is twice my age (I’m 24), and he also happens to be one of my college professors. The problem now is that somebody has told the college that he and I have a very "close" relationship and he's received a warning about getting involved with a student even though I'm more than consenting of our relationship.

He’s worried about his job, but I don’t want to lose him. He wants to end things with me but I want be selfish and ask him if we can stay together even if it means that we only spend time together on weekends, and avoid going out in public, and never interact on campus. What should I do?

— Dangerous Liaisons Lucy

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Dear Poll: Do You Feel Better With Age?

DearSugar — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Whenever I see talk shows or read interviews with celebrities, I constantly hear them say that they feel better with age. Oprah has said on numerous occasions that she really came into herself at age 50, and the younger generation strongly suggests that 30 is when you have the confidence to be the real you. Sure, the older I get the more secure I feel, but who likes getting old?Demi Moore proves that age shouldn't get you down, as do Madonna, Michelle Pfeiffer, and we can't leave out George Clooney! So ladies, what I want to know is, do you feel like you get better with age? Source

Dear Poll: Do You Feel Better With Age?

Yes

Other — I'll explain below

You Asked: Have We Out Grown Each Other?

DearSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 03:00:00 -0800

Dear Sugar,

I am 23-years-old and I have been married for four and a half years. When I was a senior in high school, I got pregnant and I had my son shortly after graduating. Within a year, my husband and I got married (he is also the father of my son). We then attended the same college and while our marriage has never been perfect, I do love him with all my heart. I graduated college in December and for the past six months, I have been having doubts about my marriage. We argue a lot and it seems like everything he does gets on my nerves — it honestly bothers me to kiss him right now. There is a part of me that wants to stick it out through this tough time in our lives but the other part of me wants to end our marriage now while we are still young. I just need some outside advice about this.
— Needing Guidance Gretta

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Do Tell: What Growing Pains Do you Still Feel?

DearSugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 07:00:00 -0800

When we enter new chapters in our lives, especially early adulthood, I think it's safe to say we all experience growing pains. The unknown can be incredibly intimidating and that trial-and-error period can leave you with many highs but many lows as well. Since none of us are getting any younger, do tell, what growing pains do you still feel?

Source

Do You Think Abercrombie & Fitch's Quarterly Is Too Racy?

DearSugar — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 09:00:00 -0800

Do you remember A&F's first quarterly from the Fall of 1997? The book was chock full with articles and photographs of young, good-looking, and fit male and female models wearing minimally-logoed Abercrombie & Fitch clothing. The book was incredibly controversial and according to Fashion Week Daily:

It was pulled from US stores in December 2003 after numerous boycotts from religious organizations and women's rights groups alleging its sexually explicit nature, promotion of alcohol abuse, and other cultural concerns.

Despite all the talk, the quarterly will be back this Spring, but only for London residents. Since A&F's clothes are geared toward the younger generation, I can see why so many people were up in arms. Of course the general public can turn a blind eye to such marketing techniques, but do you think A&F's message is age-appropriate? Do you think it promotes bad behavior? Source

Do You Think Abercrombie & Fitch's Quarterly Is Too Racy?

Yes

Other: Please share!

Do Tell: What Problems Affect Your Age Group?

DearSugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 08:00:00 -0800

I'm in my late twenties and turning the big 3-0 is not only on my mind, but it's on the minds of my friends who are about to hit that milestone birthday. We also worry about our careers, money, relationships with family and friends, and the pressure to start a family. Of course there are many common stresses that affect every generation, but ladies, do tell, what problems do you think affect your age group the most?

Source

The How-To Lounge: Coping With Gray Hair

DearSugar — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 10:00:00 -0700

A girlfriend of mine just noticed her first gray hair! Since I haven't spotted one on myself yet, I couldn't commiserate with her, but since we aren't getting any younger, I thought now would be a good time to address the issue!

Click here to

You Asked: Is It Me?

DearSugar — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 06:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar--

I'm single, and I'm somewhat happy with it at the moment, (between obtaining my second degree, having a business, and trying not to lose my mind (I live in L.A)), however, I do want to have someone to share it with. I'm not looking to get married, or jump into a serious relationship, but I'm not really into dating a bunch of different guys and simply "going with the flow".

Dating takes so much energy and nothing has been coming of it. What the heck is wrong with me? Should I be all willy-nilly about this, or should I be progressive and determined to find a man? In L.A. it's so easy to look desperate, and hoochie-coo, and most men just want to have random sex. I've dated men in their 20s, and men in their 30s, and it seems like they are all the same. So is it that I'm some overachieving woman who will end up 45 and unmarried? Help! -- Single in the City Sasha

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Do Tell: Do You Lie About Your Age?

DearSugar — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 07:00:00 -0700

Age is a funny thing. I happen to believe it's just a number, but my friends that are turning the big 3-0 are comparing it to a doomsday event. Since I still feel so young at heart, I oftentimes forget how old I am, and while I'm not at the point where I feel I have to lie about my age, many people feel more comfortable keeping their age to themselves. So ladies, do tell, when people ask you your age, do you fib or tell the truth? And if you don't tell little white lies now, do you think you will?

Source

You Asked: Am I Ready for This?

DearSugar — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 06:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar--

I have been dating my boyfriend for two and a half years now. Lately things have gotten very serious; we've been talking about getting married and having children. Up until a few days ago, I was all a twitter with our romance - I wanted nothing more to begin a life with this man.

But now I'm starting to panic. I've been thinking more and more about how young I am and how there are so many things I want to do - including growing as an independent human being - before I settle down. Part of me is so ready for this kind of commitment, but there's another part that is screaming to run away as fast as I can. I'm not sure if I'm being a commitment-phobe, irrational, or just a normal 21 year old.

I'm with the man of every woman's dreams. He is handsome, successful, romantic and I know I'll be kicking myself in the ass for the rest of my life if I let him go. Is my confusion normal? Or am I showing the first signs of a person who will head for the hills when things get too serious? My biggest fears are hurting the man I love and starting on a treacherous path of avoidance. I can't seem to get any unbiased advice around here, so I was hoping you could offer some wisdom. -- Completely Confused Cameron

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Dear Poll: Suffering from Anorexia in your 20s, and 30s, Ring a Bell?

DearSugar — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:00:00 -0700

In a recent Forbes Magazine article, research shows that anorexia is transcending the age barrier, now affecting women in their late 20s, 30s, and even in their 40s. This might come as a shock to some of you, seeing how anorexia has typically been viewed as a young woman's problem, so why the older diagnosis? You would think that older, more mature women would know better, but research suggests that older women are being treated for this disease because of growing public awareness of the disease, social pressure to be thin, an aging group of baby boomers, and women who simply have not yet fully recovered from a previous eating disorder. I unfortunately know women in their teens, in their 20s, 30s, and even 50s who struggle with eating disorders, so what I want to know is, does anorexia or bulimia play a role in your adult life, affecting you either personally or a loved one? Source

Dear Poll: Suffering from Anorexia in your 20s, and 30s, Ring a Bell?

Yes: Unfortunately many of my older friends still have serious eating issues

No: My friends had eating disorders when we were young and thank goodness they grew out of them

Other: Please share!

The How-To Lounge: Feeling Good About Turning 30

DearSugar — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 10:00:00 -0700

For some reason, turning 30 has a very evil stigma attached to it that no one seems to know how to kick. It's a funny phenomenon because once the actual D-Day is over, women seem to feel more comfortable in their own skin. If the big day is looming for any of you, here are some tips to help combat your fears of turning the big 3-0.

Click here to

Do your Rules Change with Age?

DearSugar — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:00:00 -0700

In July's issue of O Magazine, the stunning Ellen Barkin dishes about life as a 53 year old woman -- can we all agree that she looks amazing ? She says she feels more comfortable at 53 than she did at 35, admitting that she would rather discover herself at this age than in her earlier years, a feeling many women share.

By following these 10 simple rules, Ellen proves that 50 is the new 40:

Don't wear your hair longer than to your collarbone
No red lipstick, unless you have dark or olive skin. It's aging
No blue jeans to dinner out. (But black jeans are okay)
Don't expose your knees. And cover up. Don't try to compete with 20-year-olds. A woman between 40 and forever looks great because she has style, not because she shows off her body
Don't ever wear anything strapless
But at the beach, if you have a toned body, rock that bikini for as long as you like
No miniskirts. A short skirt is okay with black tights
Don't ever revisit a trend you lived through once before
Don't wear hats, except to keep the sun off your face. A hat makes you look as if you're trying to get noticed
Wear fewer accessories, and keep your look clean

So ladies, as you get more mature and more wise with age, do tell, do you live by a new set of "rules" like Ellen does?

Source

Dear Poll: Would you Rather Date Older or Younger?

DearSugar — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 10:30:00 -0700

NBC's new show, Age of Love, raises a great question, does age matter? While it is hard not to get caught up in the little things, someone's age really matters to certain people whereas genuine connection is more important to others. Hollywood has been crossing the age barrier for years, but what I want to know is, do you prefer to date someone younger, older, or your own age? Source

Dear Poll: Would you Rather Date Older or Younger?

Older: Men mature later in life and I want a man who is secure in his own skin

Younger: I want a man with a lot of energy and I don't want to worry about being a young widow

My age: I like to feel equal with my partner, I think it is important to go through life's experiences at the same time

Other: Please share!

You Asked: Our Age Difference is Creating Problems

DearSugar — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 13:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar--
At 35, I am 8 years older than my husband. Every now and then, someone will make a remark about our age difference. So far, the worst I heard was "you're too old for him, he should be with a better woman" and my mother-in-law's friend, who relocated to our community said, "she's not good enough for him."

The second comment caused a riff in my relationship when I told my husband that I wasn't comfortable with his mother's friends in our home after their snide remarks. His response was, "don't stress it," and later, "I can see there's going to be a problem." Well DearSugar, of course there is a problem!! The woman's remarks rankled me, but my husband's comments did much worse because he doesn't see these comments as meddling, insulting and hurtful. I am considering telling him that he ignores my feelings, that I don't see much left for us. It is really ripping me up inside and i think I am right. Any advice most welcome. --Robbing the Cradle Rebbecca

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Dear Poll: Which Leading Man Is Aging Most Gracefully?

DearSugar — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 15:00:00 -0700

Ageism in Hollywood effects women much more profoundly than men, but that doesn't mean our famous leading men don't feel the pressure and sting of being under the microscope. Sadly, the fellas are turning to cosmetic surgery, too, in hopes of preserving their youth, but it always seems to backfire. Who among these dashing Hollywood actors do you think is aging with the most panache and grace? Source

Dear Poll: Which Leading Man Is Aging Most Gracefully?

Richard Gere: His salt-and-pepper hair will never get old for me.

Brad Pitt: Brad keeps things exciting by reinventing himself.

George Clooney: Like a fine, fine wine, he gets better with age.

John Travolta: No matter his age, he'll always be Tony Manero to me.

Kevin Costner: Something smouldering and devilish about him.

Other: Please share!