Girls of a Certain Age started on April 3, 2012 (here’s the very first post) and somehow, I let its fifth birthday whiz by without even noticing. So I’m taking a moment to belatedly thank all of you for making this such a lively, happy enterprise. To all the die-hard commenters—Viajera, DeDe, Mamavalveeta, Joanna, Y.K., C.W., Dana D, Suz, Jhops, Hick from the Styx, Adrien, Gables Girl, Mae, Caroline, Raina, Caroline, Ann, Heather, and I’m SURE there’s somebody I’m leaving out, so please forgive me if so—thank you for being the soul of Girls of a Certain Age. For keeping conversation so lively, witty, smart, and—most of all—so very, very kind. To all of the rest of you commenters, thanks a million for everything you have to say. Your words amuse and enlighten me, and—on days when I’m feeling down and lonely—lift me. And if you’ve never commented, thanks for stopping by on the regular. Knowing that you’re all out there makes my life truly rich.

Photo by Nan Goldin

I did, and am currently writing that chapter of the book. It was when my marriage was well and truly dead and I was looking for a way out—an “Exit Affair,” they’re called (and before you judge, you’ll have to wait and read the book to see what kind of behavior my husband was up to at the time). How about you? Have you ever? Or even come close?

Linda Rodin: making leather pants work at 67

There are few things I loathe more than lists that tell women what clothes they need to give up once they reach a certain age: my view on the topic is that if you can pull it off, you should wear it—but that you would also be well-advised also pay close attention to your internal radar. Which, around six years ago, told me that it was time to say goodbye to miniskirts. Not because I’d reached any significant birthday, but because they just suddenly looked silly on me. Have you had similar moments, and with what? Conversely, what will you never give up?