This latitude is, however, not extended to many a spinster who approaches forty. She is constantly harassed and reminded at every opportunity that her biological clock is already prone to fits and freezes, much like the average phone, as she is getting ‘old..’
Bloom, apparently, has a very limited shelf life. And many would rather have their daughters just married than for her to be happy. We forget that looks alone cannot sustain a marriage. But I guess picture perfect is what we are looking for.

Societal pressures can suffocate. Making many feel that they are racing against time.
A woman’s biological clock becomes a ticking time bomb. A constant reminder that her ‘prime’ is limited.
The Guardian who constantly tells his child that..when I was your age, I was waking up at 5 in the morning.. Doing household chores before getting ready for school..
This act of age comparison is actually a two-edged sword. The intent maybe to inspire the child. But most times, an incessant comparison can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem.

Apparently, there are ages when certain milestones society considers as important, are to have been acquired.

Many Constitutions say that by the age of 18, one is old enough to marry, vote. And to take responsibility for one’s actions.
Even biology has added to the debate, when a child is born, it is already old. Whether hours or days. That word, ‘age’, already makes an appearance, and follows all through life. A decline from birth.

If a student finishes elementary school at 8, she is considered brilliant. At 10, not so much. That’s the average, so nothing spectacular.
A child of 6 is not expected to still bedwet. Too old to be doing that. Society’s expectation is age 3.
But a nonverbal child on the autism spectrum is celebrated if they can write a whole sentence, as a teenager.

In another breath, we will celebrate a 24-year-old Professor, but not a 35-year-old one.
We hear more of how Barack Obama became president at the age of 45, and Macron at 39. Yet no one can forget the brilliance of war strategist Winston Churchill or the wisdom of Abraham Lincoln who helped abolish slave trade.

We tie age to expectations, culture, and traditions.. And create all kinds of emotional vulnerabilities.. While we miss the fun of the process and journey..

Life is different for everyone.. Individuality and progress must be the markers by which we measure and manage expectations..
A redirection to self-worth and not numbers.
Appreciating the peculiarities of each person, and the wisdom and knowledge that they come with. Not just the age.
To some, achievement comes early to others later..
Even maturity..
The important thing is to enjoy the ride.