Do Women Have A Mid-Life Crisis?

I went to the movies today, which is a rarity for me as the cost to go to the movies is unbelievable. I’m not just talking the price of the ticket, but the cost for petrol to get to the theatre (the closest one to me is 40 km away), and the price for a snack while you are there. I can’t sit through a movie without popcorn and a coke! I had a free movie ticket which was to expire in 4 days and being the frugal type I decided I must use it.

I saw the movie Wild Hogs which is a story about four men in their late 40s who form a motorcycle gang in suburban Ohio. One decides that they need to go on a road trip to California to become “real” bikers. Basically the four are having a mid-life crisis as they are unsatisfied with the way their lives have ended up. Most of the movie was predictable and the four “posers” became heroes in the end and overcame the real problems they were having with their lives.

I went to see this particular movie because it starred John Travolta . . . need I say more? For those wondering, yes he did dance in this movie, but unfortunately it was with a man! Sexy, none the less.

Having watched this movie and many other similar ones over the years, I got to thinking do women have a mid-life crisis? Do we ever wish to relive our youth and go back to “better” days? I don’t think so. I believe if you asked most women they wouldn’t want to go back to how they were in their teens or twenties. Yes, we were younger. Yes, we were probably better looking. I know my belly saw better days before I had children. But to go back to being naïve and shy and unsure about where you fit in the world, I think not.

Life was different back then, but I wouldn’t glorify it. I have learned so much through the many experiences I have had over the years. The people I’ve met and the places I’ve gone have taught me more than I could have ever imagined. I believe I know myself so much better now. There is nothing I did in my youth that I would like to relive. I don’t need to be the star of the sports team, or the coolest kid at school, or drive the hottest car. I don’t understand why men seem to need that type of reassurance. Why do they need to relive past victories? Do we view change differently? It seems that men become stagnant and set in their ways, whereas women seem to grow and develop over time.

Of course I am not speaking on behalf of all women (no one can do that) and I am not talking about all men (I have met some very interesting men in my time) but it seems that some men, as depicted in movies, go through a time of dissatisfaction with their lives. So I was just wondering why? I don’t know the answer, but I do know it makes for some funny movies!