They say some things never change, but the truth is others are changing on such gradual basis every day you never even get a chance to notice. Shush is a new comedy from Elaine Murphy, the award winning writer of Little Gem. Currently running on the Abbey stage, it looks at three generations of Irish women, and the trials and tribulations they face in their lives. Here we take a look at three things that change as you grow older…

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Sleep

In your twenties – For the earlier part of this decade you hang on to your teen stamina, and you can party all night if needs be, then be fresh as a daisy the next day. Of course, you can also sleep until lunchtime on Saturday to make up for it, and it’s nobody’s business but yours.

In your thirties – Staying out late on a Wednesday is no longer quite so simple, and you’re absolutely hanging at work the next day and crying out for home-time, PJs and cuddling up on the couch. If you have children, you realise those weekend lie-ins are a thing of the past. 

In your forties – You stop trying to ‘prove’ you don’t need sleep. You accept the pleasure that comes with an early night, and equally, you enjoy rising after a good night’s rest. Your mother said it would happen… it has.

 

Sex 

In your twenties – It’s awkward. You’re still not sure if you’re doing everything entirely right. You worry if your partner has had more previous lovers than you, or less. You have body  hang-ups that enter your head at the most inopportune moments, and it’s NEVER like it is in the movies. 

In your thirties – Welcome to your sexual prime. You’ve grown to accept your body, flaws and all, and you’re confident that you can give as good as you get, so to speak. These years are the ones you should go wild in… even more so than the decades before and after. 

In your forties – Your sexual appetite may dull ever so slightly in your forties, but it doesn’t mean for a second that you don't enjoy ever minute while you’re at it! Your forties are a time of freedom, when you’re confident enough in yourself to express what it is you want. Go for it.

 

Gossip

In your twenties – Gossip with the girls is a daily phone call, multiple Facebook messages, texts, tweets and more. Keeping up to date on each other’s lives is so important, and who’s dating/breaking up is the topic on everyone’s tongues.

In your thirties – Careers, relationships, families and travel mean you probably have less time to spend with your mates, so swapping the goss is reserved for that one night you all get together with a few bottles of wine. At first everyone well say they have no news to report, but give it an hour and you’ll be shouting over each other to be the next to spill the beans. 

In your forties – Those girls nights will stay, with any luck, and you’ll get the catch-up with friends. By now though, it may involve the neighbours you finally got to know, the children you and your friends may have, and the workmates who become your close pals. The best thing about gossip in your forties? You couldn’t care less whether or not anyone is gossiping about you. 

 

 

Shush, an entertaining and witty view on Irish women’s lives, receives its world premiere on the Abbey stage on Wednesday, 12 June. For tickets, see here.