0-10, I hardly recall any of it!
25-26 when I moved far away from the state I was born in. I only had one friend where I moved who was a social butterfly, so had to socialize. I cut off all of my hair and that gave me a lot more confidence in myself. I met a lot of people and found my core group of friends who have stuck around for 15 years.
Not really the best years, but very important years, 29-31. I found out who was actually important in my life and who would be there when I truly need help. I almost died at 29, each year after almost didn’t happen, so I try to stay happy with that.
30s, 90s. Lucky to have the best years of my life during the best years of the planet.
The 90s seem pretty swag
I could make arguments for several times. My childhood was defined by summers with my grandparents at their cottage on a lake. No responsibilities and idyllic setting. It was definitely nice.
My year of active duty army wasn’t the best probably but I sure learned a lot about myself and the world. Probably the most important year for the rest of my life’s happiness.
The years after my divorce (~32) were the best as far as social life and freedom go. I did a lot of living there. Lots of dating and wild sex, and a very influential vacation to Thailand. As far as raw, visceral joy at life goes, right around 35 was probably peak.
Now I’m 52. I have enough money to do the (reasonable) things I want — or will have once I’m finished paying off debts from my last long layoff — I have a wife and kids, I help people in my community, I’ve sort of accomplished my goals in life. I’m still working hard, still being challenged. I have things pretty good. I don’t have any friends outside my family though, and that’s a bummer. That and my bad back are probably the only reasons this isn’t a clear winner for the best year of my life.
I was 20. I started university. Joined a theatre group and the newsletter group. We also organised the introductory weekend for the new students every year. Made a best friend and a whole group of other friends. That’s after years of being bullied at school.
Sadly it only lasted a couple of years, then I got a toxic boyfriend who wrecked my social life through malicious gossip and mental abuse. He’s still friends with that group, they literally turned their backs on me last time I saw them. It’s been decades and I still miss them.
I lost about 60 lbs and went vegan at 24. Had a really chill schedule.
Probably have a better time answering about the worst tbh
But hmmm…
I don’t have any specific year in mind but: I guess ages 12 to 17 were the best times.
The best mix of freedom (lite) + no responsibilities.
I had a laptop and free access to the global internet without any Great Firewall of China type restrictions.
Lots of fun games found around the internet, lots movies, tv shows.
I probably would’ve missed out of some of those things had I been in China… which is an alt-timeline wonder about in my existential crisis all the time and its kinda depressing tbh.
I love just reading info that would’ve been banned, like its “secret info” I had access to that 1.4 billion people didn’t have, the rebellious teenager spirit in me loved it, it felt soooo good.
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