When we’re young, we celebrate our birthdays and use them to count up with excitement. By the time we hit a certain age – usually somewhere in our thirties – we start counting down.

As we get older, there are many things we find out about our bodies, our tolerance levels, and what our parents and grandparents meant when they talked about getting older. It’s enlightening, scary, and hella funny too.

Hitting the mid-life stage can drive people into denial, wild decisions, and expensive car purchases of the sporty type. While many of the stereotypes of this life period actually do come true, there are also funny things that happen.

Approaching mid-life or are you already an initiate? In a show of solidarity, we’re sharing some relatable jokes on the joys of being dipping your toes in Lake Mid-Life.

1. You’re Comfortable with Lying

   Once you decide to stay in one night because you’re “too tired” it’s all over, from that time onwards you’re throwing out excuses like “just had a big bowl of pasta not gonna make it out”

   — andy (@gothicdogsclub) December 9, 2017

2. You’re also Comfortable with Canceled Plans and Missing Out Without the FOMO

   via GIPHY

3. When You Realize Age Might be More than a Number

   In the “I’m getting old” department.., a kid saw this and said, “oh, you 3D-printed the ‘Save’ Icon.” pic.twitter.com/rwgCpSjfDQ

   — Bill Gross (@Bill_Gross) October 17, 2017

4. You Still Aren’t Giving Up On the Plan of Plans that You’ve Been Working on Since You Turned 25, then 30, 35. . .and Now.

   Working on my 6 year plan:1. ?2. ?3. ?4. ?5. ?6. And then they’ll all be sorry.

   — Brock (@ImTheeBrock) June 24, 2018

5. The Older You Get, the Earlier it Gets Late

6. Something We Would Dare to Try

   So You Think You Can Move That Heavy Piece of Furniture Without Hurting Your Back. -a reality show in your 40s

   — Beckaboo (@thebeckyard) May 12, 2017

7. Your Bucket List Turns into Something That’s Entirely Possible Now

   via GIPHY

8. Suddenly, Along with a Dye Job, Tattoos and Nose Piercings Make Sense

9. In the Age of Instagram Models, You Finally Realize Your True Calling

10. You Take Stock of Life’s Simple Pleasures

    One of the joys of getting older is mowing the lawn in the evening and being surprised the next morning when you look out the window.

    — Just Bill (@WilliamAder) May 11, 2012

11. Your Views Become Somewhat Softer. . .or Tougher

    The older you get the more you relate to the Grinch on a philosophical level.

    — Akilah Hughes (@AkilahObviously) December 24, 2014

Keep counting the candles on your birthday cakes, friends, and make those wishes count! Although you can’t turn back the clock, you’ve got to have a sense of humor about how we change once the age meter starts creeping up. Laugh about it!

What’s struck you the most about middle age? Have you done anything out of character since joining the mid-life club? What’s the funniest or craziest mid-life story you can share?