‘I’m so proud of my girl – but I wish it was me, too’
Anneliese Colwell, A 47, a riding teacher, lives in Somerset with her husband Matt, 53, and two daughters, Izzy, 15, and Molly, 11. She says… “When I heard Sadie Frost’s words, I empathised completely. There comes a time in your life when you feel you could be turning cartwheels naked down the high street, and still no one would look in your direction.
“The invisibility cloak crept up on me pretty much when I turned 40. I’d never considered myself to be anything special, but I was young, carefree and happy, and I rarely left a party or a bar without a man giving me his phone number. I certainly got my fair share of drinks bought for me, and wolf whistles.
TAKING IT FOR GRANTED
“When you’re young you take it for granted, or find it irritating. I heard two girls complaining about builders looking at them and I nearly told them, ‘Enjoy it now, because you’ll miss it when you’re older.’
“While Molly is beautiful too, she’s still very much a girl. But Izzy could pass for 17, and gets a lot of attention.
“When we walk along the street together, I can feel men’s eyes slide over me, to rest on her. And I don’t blame them – I compare myself unfavourably to her, too. The other day we were walking along; we’d both been out running. Her legs looked endless and her bottom was tiny in her shorts. I’m fairly convinced my bottom had dropped to half-way down my stumpy legs. I doubt it was a pretty sight.
“Do I resent her, though? Absolutely not, I’m so proud of her I could burst. She’s gorgeous, but also kind, clever and funny. I’m happy for her, and I can’t quite believe she’s mine.
YOUTHFUL GLOW
“But do I wish I still had that youthful glow, and that I’d ever been so gorgeous? Yes, of course I do.
“I am not so shallow that I think it’s all about looks. But if you want some sort of affirmation, a glance of appreciation from a stranger can certainly give you that, and give your day a boost. Feeling as though you don’t exist now you’re past your prime – not so much!”