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We say age is just a number, but we still care about it. When the scary 29 rolls around, many start dreading their next birthday. However, when asked what years were the best in their lives, many older people (at least in Europe) said the ones between 30 and 34. So, maybe we've got it all wrong?

Whether dreaded or not, turning 30 can still be a big milestone, worthy of meming and joking about. This Instagram account for 30-somethings has a little bit of everything: workplace humor, existential dread, and funny, relatable snippets from a tercentenerian's life.

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    Entering your 30s is not as bad as some people make it out to be. Yes, yours truly is officially 30 as of June of this year. And, as an actual 30-something, I have to say nothing's drastically changed. Children have been calling me "ma'am" for several years now, hangovers were never really easy for me even when I was younger, and I still haven't been a guest at any wedding.

    But maybe I'm just that type of person; I've never made New Year's resolutions and didn't go out drinking on my 18th birthday. I do, however, notice that I'm starting to like some adult hobbies and activities that seemed ridiculous before. I often find myself browsing real estate websites, I've even taken up cycling and bought some fancy equipment, and I enjoy knitting at home by the television more and more. Is this what getting old feels like?

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    #5

    Reddit meme about working during nuclear war, with a humorous reply from a user regarding employer expectations.

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    Family's_disappointment
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why is it so true!!!! P.s. I'm 100% sure my mom would still send me to school even if it's the Nuclear war.

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    #6

    Meme text: "I'm often mistaken for an adult because of my age," highlighting humor for those above 30.

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    The @30somethingaf meme page was created by Sarah Pilger. She has been entertaining us, 30-somethings, on Instagram from 2017, and has amassed a following of 402k in the process. Back in 2022, when we covered the page the first time, Sarah told us that she always had a comedic streak, and a meme page was a great way to be funny on the internet.

    "Memes and gifs were just getting started and I found myself looking at them thinking of other captions I would use that were funnier to me. I've always been interested in comedy and if I could go back in time, I would have pursued a career in writing for stand-up, sketch comedy or satirical sitcoms," Sarah told us in 2022.

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    #7

    Meme about bedtime humor for people over 30, expressing newfound appreciation for early sleep.

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    Maisey Myles
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And sorry for laughing at you old lady when you farted out loud in the grocery, and to you old man , when you were driving too slow……,

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    Sarah said that she creates about what she knows; usually, what she finds funny, her audience deems relatable as well. She told Bored Panda that 30-somethings are people who are "learning to adult." "Some are family-focused, some are career-driven, some still have Peter Pan syndrome, and others are just plain lost in the growth they are expected to experience," she told us previously.

    #10

    "Relatable meme about losing glasses during an apocalypse and struggling with foraging."

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    Socks Thecate
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember a Twilight Zone where some bloke hid in a basement and some nuclear event went on. When he came out he wanted to read all the books in the library. Had coke bottle glasses and they broke.

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    #11

    Memes about friends switching from sharing memes to TikTok links, showing a concerned woman.

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    BROmanicus85
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For me, that applies for any social media link I receive... Don't have any social media accounts, am 39 and happy! :D

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    #12

    Cozy bear in a robe and hat resting by a fireplace, relatable meme for those above 30 valuing relaxation over hustle.

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    Earonn -
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Happy to report that my boss constantly reminds us that our numbers are okay and that we shouldn't overdo it, especially when someone returns from an illness, even if it was 'only' one week of a cold.

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    For Sarah, our 30s are the time when we finally understand what we want, not what others want of us. "Whether it's material items, travel, children, investing or even more extreme partying, doors are opened that we didn't have in our 20s. We also have way more autonomy than we did in our 20s, which is good and bad. With more responsibility comes more freedom, but the opposite is also true."

    #13

    Tweet meme about going outside being expensive and crowded, relatable to those over 30.

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    Peppy
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, sometimes outside is far too peopley, but inside can often be a bit too unpeopley, life is all about balance , and the right people.

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    "I think people in their 30s are a lot smarter than we get credit for," Sarah shared with us in 2022. "We graduated college during the Great Recession and are still succeeding. We are the oldest portion of the millennial generation, which often gets a bad rap. While we do fall victim to the urge for instant gratification, we are also the leaders of our generation [who] have set an achievable and commendable standard," she believes.

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    #16

    Tweet meme humorously contrasting Taylor Swift's achievements with everyday struggles; relatable for those above 30.

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    Marie
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well... she never has to "get ready to dust". Who knows how long it would actually take her... could be a lot more.

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    #17

    Tweet about men walking without bags, a relatable meme for everyone above 30.

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    TastyRex
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is so liberating to go bagless! I have these work pants with far too many pockets. I can store everything I really need in there.. just have to remember to empty the pockets before laundering. Lost some cheap earbuds and a delta vape that way.

    Talis
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is no "too many pockets". Even if the pockets have pockets.

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    whineygingercat
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These are the guys, when they need something, will ask the women around them KNOWING the woman will have whatever it is.

    whineygingercat
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was at a Harvest Festival, and a guy with two kids comes up and asks if I have anything for a headache. I, of course, did. He got some excedrin, and I KNEW he had looked around and took a chance on the woman with the biggest purse.

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    Amy
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They have functioning pockets though that are not included in most women’s clothes. I have pocket envy!

    BrunoVI
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Should we tell her about pockets? Nah, she'll just get angry that they're not included in HER clothes.

    Talis
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We have pockets. A lot of pockets. Filled with everything we might or might not need for an apocalypse.

    Dela Bee
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I got a men's hunting jacket for field work and there are so many pockets! The same brand ladies cut had 2.

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    April Pickett
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have my purse, but I hide it in the car. I have pockets in most of my pants and I carry a little case with the essentials - in my pocket. Keys, chapstick, and the card case, that's all.

    J R
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    not a man. also never carried a bag (I mean a day here or there when I have plans, but not as a general rule)

    Stephanie Barr
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's safe to do that in an environment with women who will rescue you you.

    Robin DJW
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I went bagless as soon as I retired. One shoulder is still lower than the other.

    Giles McArdell
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A common misunderstanding arising from women's clothes having no useable pockets.

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    #18

    Text meme humorously highlighting the relatable struggles of people above 30 feeling younger yet noticing age differences.

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    Senjo Krane
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm in my 60's and my brain still thinks I'm in my 30's but my body faithfully reminds me how old I am EVERY DAY.

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    There's more scientific evidence that your 30s might be your happiest decade. A 2012 survey by insurer Aviva asked 2,000 adults what is the best age to be, and the average came out to be 35. By that age, many people said they had reached certain milestones, but still had many good years ahead of them.

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    The British social networking site Friends Reunited did a similar poll in 2012. They asked people over 40 what their best years were, and many said it was when they were 33. "By this age innocence has been lost, but our sense of reality is mixed with a strong sense of hope, a 'can do' spirit, and a healthy belief in our own talents and abilities," psychologist Donna Dawson commented in the survey's findings.

    #23

    Woman in black dress reclining on a green sofa, holding a book, surrounded by text about life crises.

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    Laugh or not
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    See post on BP, look at myself on my sofa. Close enough, it checks.

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    Not everyone achieves what they thought they would by their 30s. Yet comparing ourselves to peers and adhering to certain cultural trends and milestones will probably do us more harm than good. "The recipe for happiness will differ for each person," psychotherapist Hilda Burke explained to Stylist.

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    #27

    Aging meme about youthful dreams versus adult reality, featuring a fantasy character looking disheveled.

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    JimSteve
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Me at 14: I don't think I want to be an adult. Can I be a sloth instead?

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    "Whatever it is, it needs to be your own formula. Copy and pasting other people's life templates will never sate. If we are ever to be truly happy, we first need to get to know ourselves and what makes us tick rather than trying to tick off a checklist of societal norms," Burke emphasized.

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    #30

    Funny social media meme about anxiety, relatable to anyone above 30, with text expressing high stress levels while in bed.

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    Dawn Marie
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am not a doctor nor do I play one on TV and I AM NOT giving medical advice, but I did "hear" from a professional that when my two a Hydroxyzine a day isn't cutting it and I have to take an extra one or two just to get through stupid people and then I am short at the end of the month that a 3mg or 5mg melatonin can work just as well and it does for me, this is just my opinion and it IS NOT medical advice!!!

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    How many Pandas in their 30s do we have here? Tell us what your experience of turning 30 and living life as a tercentenarian has been like. Do you take naps more often? Or have you, like the priest from "Fleabag," started to enjoy going to bed at 9:30 pm? Let us know those and your other 30s habits in the comments!

    #33

    A relatable meme about sleeping as a child without aids, resonating with those above 30.

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    nomnomborkbork
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And could sleep soundly all night long! Not having to get up to pee and then lying awake another hour or two...

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    #34

    Relatable meme about listening skills over 30, text encouraging attentive listening without sharing personal stories.

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    Aroace tiger (she/they/he)
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Neurodivergancy can make that difficult. Some people consider it rude. Some, like me, just consider it a "i relate dw i understand u"

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    #35

    Three relatable character memes depicting life stages for those over 30: Sarah, Winifred, and Mary.

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    whineygingercat
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I started getting my boobs in 4th grade. Suddenly, ALL the boys were so helpful, opening doors/helping me with my coat/carrying my books... unfortunately, they all stopped talking to my face and started talking to my chest...

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    #37

    Relatable meme for anyone above 30 about feeling tired early; text reads "Damn it’s late, I should start getting to bed. The clock: 7:29pm."

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    GlitterPanda
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have two options, go to bed before 8pm or stay awake until 2am (and wonder where those 6 hours went)

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    #43

    Zoom meeting meme highlighting self-reflection struggle during virtual meetings, humor relatable to those above 30.

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    LB
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hide self view for this reason, it really helps me feel more present (not for work meetings, for meditation gatherings)

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    #46

    A relatable meme about focus challenges and distractions, humorously questioning if penguins have legs or just feet.

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    Senjo Krane
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a real thing. We're losing the ability to concentrate and it's not good.

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    #47

    Meme text from TheTinderBlog: "You won’t be everyone’s cup of tea because you’re champagne." Humorous note for those above 30.

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    LB
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I did a little dance reading this. F*ck yeah! Can I be Apfelschorle? Weird yet refreshing?

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    #48

    Collage meme humorously depicting the contrast between job application claims and actual coworker interactions.

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    Helena
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't false promise. In an interview I'll straight up tell them I'm horrible with people but I will absolutely get stuff done.

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    #53

    Relatable-30-Something-Memes-Jokes

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    TastyRex
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How about the trauma of an audio tape backloaded Teddy Ruxpin or Big Bird with the batteries going down? Full disclosure- I'm past my 30's.

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    #55

    Relatable-30-Something-Memes-Jokes

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    notlikeyou1971
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Last " luxury items " were new socks. The majority were needs. Sad to be poor.

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    #56

    Relatable-30-Something-Memes-Jokes

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    Tucker Cahooter
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait until you have to scroll to the last option "60 and over" then you will experience real sadness

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    #59

    Relatable-30-Something-Memes-Jokes

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    notlikeyou1971
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sounds like where I am staying right now. They nitpick everything.

    #61

    Relatable-30-Something-Memes-Jokes

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    Rodney McKay
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can handle reality in small doses, but as a lifestyle it’s much too confining.

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    #63

    Relatable-30-Something-Memes-Jokes

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    notlikeyou1971
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sleep? What is that? I think it's a battle that I barely win these days. I have not been to sleep yet. Wish I could.

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    #68

    Relatable-30-Something-Memes-Jokes

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