Women's lives are filled with endless worries, such as changing life stages and hormone imbalances. As we get older, our worries tend to become more complicated. Now that we are living in an era where we can expect to live to 100 years, and common sense about how we live our lives is changing dramatically, what do women need to do and what should they value in order to live a rich life? This is the last of a short, intensive series in which beauty expert Megumi Kanzaki honestly answers questions from readers.
 
Question: "What can I do for my wife?"
My wife will be 32 this year. I am grateful to her for devoting herself to me every day. As her husband, what kind of consideration and thoughtfulness do I need to give to my wife in order to keep her healthy and beautiful forever? (Yuuking, male, 30s)
 
 

Kanzaki's answer:The important thing is to never lose your imagination about the other person.
I think women have their antennae up in all directions in the house. In my case, I'm always keeping an eye on various things, such as "Is the electricity still on?" and "Are the detergent and toilet paper stocks okay?" That's why I'm happy and grateful if my partner just quietly refills the supplies or gathers up the trash. I think it's a relief to know that he notices things, even if it's just to express his gratitude for the smooth running of the house.

It depends on your partner's personality, but getting dressed up and going out together even once a month can be a good way to refresh yourself, or it might be a good idea to set aside a day where you can go out on your own without any worries or restrictions.
 
 
Question: "Is there anything I should have done in my 20s?"
Women's hormone balance is complicated and difficult to control, and I feel like I'm in my 20s and have endless worries. I think my physical condition and body will change little by little as I enter my 30s and 40s, but is there anything that you think, "I should have done this! I wish I had prevented this!" (Rin/20s, female)
 

 
Kanzaki's answer:Get in shape and start saving for your health for the future.
I was always a member of a sports club when I was a student, so I've always loved moving my body. Even after I became an adult, I continued to go to the gym and do some kind of exercise, but I didn't actuallystart working out seriously until I was in my 40s.
Currently, I meet with a personal trainer twice a week to discuss the body balance I want to achieve and he gives me guidance.
 
I feel that if I can maintain a body that I am satisfied with, my self-esteem will increase and I will also develop the mental strength and perseverance to be able to solve problems on my own.
In your 20s you think about your career, in your 30s you think about having children, and I think that women in particular tend to have different desires depending on their stage in life. Even at times like these, if you have the mental and physical strength built up through exercise, it will give you the push you need to move forward. While you're still in your 20s and still in good health, be sure to get in shape and start saving for health. Taking time to lose yourself will simplify your thinking, and you'll naturally have a clearer view of both your personal and work life.
 
 Regarding food, it is important to know what to eat, but it is also important to know what foods are not good for your body. I find out what foods do not suit me through delayed food allergy tests, and I regularly check for nutrients I am lacking through blood tests, so I can think about nutritional support efficiently. It is difficult to get all the nutrients from food, but I try to incorporate high-quality supplements into my diet.



Problem: "How can I build a good relationship with my family?"
I have adult children. It's true that independence is important. But as a parent I'm always worried about them, like when they come home late, how's their work, etc. To be honest, they dislike me. Even though there's no clear dividing line, I don't know when it's time to let go as a parent. Will there ever be a time when they understand my feelings? I have an elderly mother. I'll be 50 next year, and my feelings as a parent and child are all mixed up and complicated. Have you made up your mind, Megumi? When did you decide to watch over your sons? Also, please tell me the secret to maintaining a good relationship with your mother. (Y. Megumi/Female, 40s)
 
 Kanzaki's answer:I try not to assume that just because we're family we can understand each other.
I don't really give my children detailed advice. It's partly down to my personality, but it's also the result of me thinking about what I would have wanted to be when I was that age. I think it depends on the personality and age of the child, but in my case, even if I think "I guess they're going through a tough time right now" based on how well they're eating, or their facial expressions and voices, I don't just ask "Are you OK?" to close the gap, but rather I watch over and care for my sons in a way that suits their personalities and pace.
 
I don't think that just because we are related by blood, we should or can understand each other. There are some things that you can't understand unless you are in the position of both parent and child, and even though I myself feel a pang of pain in my heart when I realize how my mother felt only now, I think that the fact that I was able to feel this way was a precious experience.
 
However, as an adult, I think that distance can be an opportunity to care for each other. I live far away from my mother and don't get to see her that often, so I feel more conscious of treating her with care. I try to be conscious of expressing my gratitude and appreciation. It's a relationship where we can easily become dependent on each other if we let our guard down, so I want to cherish my imagination and compassion.