Growing old terrifies me: Julie`s story

Last year we went out and celebrated my friend`s 30th birthday. I designed a T-shirt for her to wear it had 30 all over it, she wore a banner with 30 on it and she loved it the night was a great success and we had a brilliant time. Now my 30th birthday is coming around and it terrifies me. My friends have told me that if I don`t get dressed up they are not coming out, I`d rather not go out. I asked my friend if it bothered her when she turned 30, she said she had never thought about it and that it was just like any other birthday except she got to dress up.

I don`t look 30 in fact I only look about 25, my husband always gives me compliments and is very happy with me but this year has been hell. I am really terrified of growing old. All of my friends and family think I am acting silly but this is really getting me down. I wish that they could understand and were more supportive. I know that 30 isn`t old but it means that I am close to 40, 50 then 60 and that's what really scares me. I look at old women and it makes me want to cry that I will one day look like that.

I have always had plenty of confidence and felt good about myself but now all I do is criticize everything from my teeth to my feet. I don`t like feeling like this but I can`t help it I have even told my husband that when I do get older I am definitely having plastic surgery. All my family and friends are confident in themselves so I can`t even talk to them. I wish I didn`t feel like this but I can`t change I`ve tried am I the only person that feels this way?

Submitted by Julie Robinson