People over 40 have been sharing the things that young people think they understand but totally don’t – 17 life lessons that sneak up on us all

Dominic Carter. Updated February 17th, 2026

10.

‘There were a number of things for me:

‘One day you will wake up and realize everyone is younger than you.

‘Time moves faster the older you get.

‘The older you get more people close to you will die more often

‘You spend your youth wanting to be older, then you get older wishing you were younger

‘You missed out on a lot of cool shit because your priorities were misplaced

‘Its ok to set boundaries

‘You aren’t invincible.

‘Some people dont like you and you dont care.

‘It isn’t always about you’
-Terrible_Classic4352

11.

‘That 40 isn’t old. Also, I wouldn’t trade 40 for 20. Youthful bodies are nice and all, but they come with youthful, inexperienced brains too. It’s a fair trade to be able to get experience and a little wisdom.

‘Of course, the flipside is that if you get to middle age without learning anything… ouch.’
-nephilump

12.

‘That they think being 30-something is old. People, you’ve only just gotten started.’
-InevitableCodeRedo

13.

‘we never really grow up.’
-Accomplished_Sky8077

14.

‘Stoicism in professional relationships

‘Emotional resilience in private relationships.

‘You cannot mix up those two without completely destroying those relationships. You need to be vulnerable in your personal relationships but a supportive rock in your work based ones.’
-Hypno–Toad

15.

‘Don’t take anything for granted. Set yourself up in such a way that nobody else can ruin you, always make sure you will be okay no matter what happens.’
-therealdanhill

16.

‘It’s not that serious. None of this is.

‘Currently dealing with a 15f first big break up. I know it feels to her like the world is ending. I felt that at 15 too. I did.’
-AppropriateAmoeba406

17.

‘Every bad habit you’ve ever had is going to catch up with you. And especially so for the ones you think you’re naturally predisposed to getting away with.’
-badger_on_fire

Source: r/AskReddit Image: Screenshot

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