Wanderhoney.com

Like many people, I used to quietly dread turning 30. In my late 20s, it felt like some mysterious portal would open on my birthday, pulling me into a world where I was no longer “young,” and time would suddenly slip through my fingers like sand.

There was this unspoken pressure to have everything figured out before hitting the big 3-0.
Spoiler alert: I didn’t.

But now that I’m living this so-called dreaded decade?
Honestly, it feels pretty damn amazing.

Sure, my joints now play their own background soundtrack (creaks and pops), and my back occasionally stages mini protests. And okay, I’m no J.Lo, who pole-dances through her 50s like aging is a myth (I aspire to be like that, truly). But physical quirks aside—my 30s have been a time of deep joy, surprising clarity, and radical self-love.

With each passing year, my confidence, mindset, and peace of mind just keep getting better. If you’re scared about turning 30, don’t be. This might just be your glow-up decade.

1. My Nightlife: Home Is Where the Comfort Is

In my 20s: While most people spent their 20s partying, clubbing, and making memories they’d later regret, I spent mine mostly working. Between my full-time job, modelling, and a side hustle, my schedule was chaos. My days were filled with work, photoshoots, and fashion shows, and they often ended late at night. I worked like a machine. I never really had much of this “fun nightlife,” but I frequently found myself being outside my home until late at night hanging out with friends, which was pretty much just for a meal, movies, or work-related reasons. 

In my 30s: After my cholesteatoma surgery, everything changed. Now, I focus on my well-being, travel more, spend time with loved ones, and do things that genuinely bring me joy. A perfect night means pajamas, a book, or a true-crime binge. The idea of being out past 10 p.m.? Absolutely not. If you see me out at dinner, know that I’m probably checking the time like Cinderella, counting down to bedtime.

2. Arguments: Less Drama, More Peace

In my 20s: One of my ex-boyfriends once told me, “You’re always angry.” And honestly, he had a point. I had a short fuse and zero patience. If something bothered me, I had to speak up immediately. I’d argue with haters, respond to every negative comment, and waste my energy justifying myself to people who didn’t deserve an explanation.

In my 30s: I have better control over my emotions and mastered the art of choosing my battles. These days, my peace is more important than being “right.” When I’m angry, frustrated, or disappointed, I take deep breaths, remove myself from the situation, and let music soothe my soul before responding. I no longer feel the need to explain myself to everyone—time will always reveal the truth.

3. Dating & Relationships: I Know My Worth

In my 20s: I have the impression that I spent my 20s searching for “The One,” convinced that I needed to be married by 28. I was clingy, insecure, and too focused on getting attention from my partners. If a guy ignored me, I’d spiral into overthinking mode and send long, dramatic texts (yes, I was that girl—judge me, I deserve it). I didn’t know myself well or what I wanted, and I got jealous over silly things. I also put up with mistreatment because I thought love required endurance. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.

In my 30s: Practicing self-love is the best thing I’ve ever done. I love my freedom and genuinely enjoy my own company. I’m so glad I didn’t get married in my 20s because it wasn’t until I hit my 30s that I started to have clarity about who I am and what I want. If a guy comes into my life, great. If he doesn’t, also great. I no longer chase people or beg for attention. If he matches my energy, cool. If not, I’ll gracefully exit with a simple “Okay.” I won’t allow anyone to come into my life and ruin it. If they don’t contribute in any way that could increase my happiness, I don’t bother to keep them in my life. 

4. Friendships: Quality Over Quantity

In my 20s: I had a huge social circle. No matter where I went, I had someone to talk to. But not all of those friendships were real or healthy. I often found myself pretending to be someone I wasn’t just to fit in. I eventually started cutting people off in my late 20s.

In my 30s: I’m not as friendly as I once was. As I get older, I care less and less about making friends with everyone. My circle is small but meaningful. I only keep people around who bring me peace, support me, and let me be my authentic self. I’d rather have a few close friends who truly care than a hundred acquaintances who don’t.

5. Health, Diet & Beauty: Priorities Have Shifted

In my 20s: I had flawless skin without even trying. Makeup was my best friend, and I never left the house without it. I was also naturally skinny, so working out and dieting were foreign concepts. In fact, I hated exercise.

In my 30s: Reality hit—ageing requires effort. My skin started acting up, so now I invest in proper skincare (which, by the way, is ridiculously expensive—send help). I also prioritize a healthier lifestyle, exercising regularly and eating better to maintain my ideal weight. Makeup? I now rarely want to use it. My focus is more on having healthy-looking skin so that I can use little to no makeup. I also started practicing yoga, going for runs, and doing other workouts. Now that I am at my ideal weight, to maintain it, I need to continue to follow an appropriate diet and engage in regular physical activity.

6. Phone Addiction: From Social Butterfly to Selective Texter

In my 20s: My phone was practically glued to my hand. I was constantly on social media—posting, scrolling, chatting, and sharing every little detail of my life.

In my 30s: My phone usage has drastically changed. I only use my phone for specific reasons, such as work purposes, emergencies, staying in touch with family, and talking to someone important to me. I don’t even bother to look at my phone for anything else. As I write this, it has been more than 12 hours since I last looked at my phone. I rarely want to look at my phone unless I hear a certain ringtone that I’ve set up for people I want to pay attention to. I’m also barely active on social media, and I don’t feel the need to update the world about my life. I reply to messages when I feel like it (sorry, not sorry), and I prefer meaningful conversations over endless small talk.

The Truth About Life in Your 30s

Being in my 30s feels like finally exhaling after holding my breath for years.

I’ve stopped obsessing over what I lack and started appreciating everything I have—peace of mind, clarity, stronger boundaries, and deeper connections. Instead of blaming others or chasing perfection, I take accountability for my life and how I respond to challenges. I’ve become more private, more intentional, and far more protective of my energy.

Yes, I’m still working on letting go of my obsession with detail and my perfectionist streak. But I’ve learned that balance matters more than control, and happiness comes from within—not from anyone’s validation.

By now, I’ve let go of toxic relationships and the constant need to explain myself. I care less about what people think, and more about what I feel. My circle may be smaller, but it’s real. And my life? It’s finally drama-free, aligned, and mine.

If you’re in your 20s and terrified of the big 3-0, here’s what I can tell you with love:
It’s not the end of your youth—it’s the beginning of your peace.
You’ll feel more confident, grounded, and unapologetically yourself.

And if you’re already here in your 30s—welcome to the club.
We’ve got cozy nights in, high-quality skincare, unmatched self-worth, and the kind of inner calm that money can’t buy.

Life keeps getting better from here.

X, Hani ❤️

Coffee helps me write. Support helps me shine. 🥰