If you could go back to being your younger self (in your twenties or thirties), would you do it? For me, it's a resounding "NO!" I never thought this would be the case, but I'm happiest and most content now that I'm in my seventies. The reasons: my work life was super stressful, so I'm pleased that retirement lifted that weight. In my youth, I was overly concerned with my appearance (and, quite shamefully, that of others). That need, with growing maturity and frankness (I mean, at some point, who the hell are you fooling?), has abated. Then there's the issue of having finally developed the cojones to jettison toxic people from my life. The few friends I have left are rational, supportive and have led self-examined lives. And, finally, I no longer strive to be anything or anyone but who I truly am. Most notably, there are no more apologies for my being a homebody who is content to pursue my numerous solitary interests in the refuge of my home. I used to feel such pressure to be a social person, but now I socialize strictly on my terms. The knowledge that I'll never have to attend another goddamned wedding makes me smile!