I love your writing Kerala. You have a wonderful honesty, humour and truth in your messages.

I think we need a war against the phrase "you're beautiful". When you listen out for it it's everywhere like a virus. Don't get me wrong, we can appreciate a pleasant aesthetic in both genders, but the judgement of beauty towards girls and women happens ALL the time like it's the only thing that matters.

This narrative is written into our culture and our stories and it manifests in make up, meticulous hair cuts, manicures and botox. Imo it needs purging.

I think once we truly respect women, the middle aged problem should disappear because we can start to appreciate other way more important virtues like wisdom, empathy and courage.