Internet Agrees With Woman’s Hilarious Observation on Aging—’Freedom’

Leaving the house used to feel like a mini fashion show for Jennifer Counts, but now the 40-year-old has gone viral for her key tip about growing older gracefully: Care less about what people think.

When Counts, from Texas, had to rush to the store recently, she didn’t think twice about her ensemble and just left the house in her loungewear, something she’d never have done in years gone by. It may have only been a simple gesture, but it signaled a monumental shift in perspective, as the hairdresser told Newsweek that not caring about her appearance is “like a weight off” her shoulders.

On January 21, she posted a hilarious video (@jencounts) of the moment she stepped out of her car in her quirky outfit, complete with sunglasses and rolled up socks. The clip instantly went viral with more than 3.7 million views and 197,400 likes in a matter of days, as it appears many TikTok users can relate.

“When I went out, it was snowing, and I needed a couple things from the grocery store and didn’t feel like getting dressed up for a quick trip,” she said. “I was focused on the fact that it was freezing and I needed to get some things from the store. But thinking back on it, it feels nice having confidence in who I am and not my looks.”

“When I was young, I was so concerned with how I looked and what people thought, and looking back, it was exhausting. As I’ve gotten older and started a family, I’ve started prioritizing my family, and my self-worth. I know who I am, and I’m happy with myself and where I’m at in life, even when taking an ugly trip to the grocery store.”

Fueled by her self-confidence, Counts now believes that it’s “unproductive to worry about what other people think.” So, if that means boldly heading outside in loungewear and long socks, who are we to judge?

Confidence Comes With Age

Being happy in one’s skin is a major part of having confidence and self-worth, and it may come as no surprise that younger people struggle with that in comparison to older generations.

According to a YouGov poll, 36 percent of Americans say they always like themselves, and 47 percent say they like themselves most of the time. Just 2 percent don’t like themselves at all.

But when those figures are separated by age, participants below the age of 35 were more likely to think negatively about themselves. While 24 percent of those aged between 18 and 35 said they don’t like themselves, that compared to 16 percent of 35- to 54-year-olds, and just 6 percent of people aged 55 and over.

How Did Social Media React?

After seeing her video go viral on TikTok, Counts has been amazed to see it resonate with so many people. She hopes it will encourage others to have more self-confidence and do what’s best for them.

She told Newsweek: “I was really surprised that the video got so much attention. The majority of reactions have been positive, and most people have said they feel the same way. It feels good to find the people that understand your point of view and feel validated. As far as the negative reactions, I just choose to think that maybe they’re having a bad day and that’s OK.

“Beauty is only skin deep, and I prefer to focus on being a good person that puts positive energy out into the world. If I can inspire more people to do that, then that’s enough for me.”

Counts does still enjoy getting dressed up and putting effort into her appearance, but not necessarily just for the grocery store. She’d much rather save her best outfits and favorite makeup for when it really matters.

Her video has gained more than 4,300 comments, as many people praised her positivity and uplifting message. One comment reads: “We are too tired to care. Comfort over chic.”

While another person responded: “that was personal…freedom and comfort is wonderful.”

Another TikTok user wrote: “We spent the first half of our lives caring too much about that stuff- and now we realize that we can rock whatever and be free to be who we are!”

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