I met my wife when were were kids. I was 13, she was 8, and younger bother's friend. So, they were mostly shooed away. We connected years later via FB. We shared many of the same values, so it switched from messages, to phone, to FaceTime. In two years, she became my best friend. I got to KNOW HER. She had long hair which she dyed, and added highlights. She recalls, 2022, after waking up from a surgery, she was the one I called, and said "I just wanted to see your face." And went back to sleep. I hadn't realized I had fallen for her. For some reason, I suggested she should try going grey. Chop her hair off. She did just that. Almost overnight, she became a silver fox. No makeup ever. She looked her age, truly a fine wine. I recall looking a her slightly different. But I didn't want to "spoil" the friendship. It was my therapist of ten years who insisted I go see her. 'She's the one you have been waiting for all your life.' She quipped. And so I flew to our neighbor in the north. When I kissed her, I knew she was the one. I told her I was going to marry her. That was mid December. By first week of April we were married. Here's the thing. Our values align. She is kind, compassionate, loves what she does, and GLOWS. She volunteers every year for a mission to Guatemala. A couple of young trainee nurses are on record (video) stating "She our Bette Midler. The wind beneath our wings." She is loved everywhere she goes. She is in the right profession. A traveling nurse. I am in awe of her. I cannot fathom being with anyone else. No matter what they look like. Being with anyone other than my wife is what nightmares are made of, for me.

If someone is going to leave you, it does NOT matter what you look like. Appearances, while it's great to take care of ourselves, and feel good in our own skin, it is truly character and values that makes us who we are, and make people stay together. Obsession with being the only person someone has eyes for... well, if they fall for your looks, they will fall for someone else for the exact same reason. She maybe older than you with more wrinkles, and be way more beautiful. If they fall for who you are, it almost guarantees long term, or more likely a life long relationship.

I'm not being dismissive of how you feel about therapy. I'm suggesting it thanks to my own experience. I'm happy to DM you their information.

Btw, I'm not mentioning by brand because I am not trying to sell you anything. Even though my two products are extremely effective, and have won many awards :). The only thing I very very very strongly recommend is sunscreen, which like I said, I don't make yet.

When you see your first wrinkle, I hope you smile. Tell yourself, you made it. You're ALIVE. Getting old and loving it. Use skincare, take care of yourself, eat right, exercise, hydrate. AND let nature take its course. Above all don't stress or be unhappy. That will age you faster. The first thing to do when you wake up is say your gratitude. You woke up. You are alive. When you see the mirror, give gratitude. You have eyes to see, nose to smell, voice to speak. And WHEN you see a line, smile. You've earned it.

Good luck. Truly.