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Selena Gomez's initial encounter with Jennifer Aniston led to a surprising reaction — she fled. However, little did Selena realize that Jennifer would later become a guiding light during her darkest times, imparting a crucial lesson on self-love.
Yes, Jennifer Aniston is 53. You read that right. Now that that’s out of the way, you may be curious to know her beauty secrets. Her skin barely looks any different from her Rachel Green days on “Friends,” and there must be more to that glow than copious amounts of water and yoga (though those things certainly help). It turns out that Aniston swears by a product that you can get your hands too: The Serum Stick from Tatcha. Earlier this year, Aniston showed off the $50 beauty find in her Instagram stories. Her makeup artist Angela Levin uses the serum stick to prep Aniston’s face for makeup application. The result? A dewy complexion and a “glow from the inside out” vibe. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)What Makes Tatcha’s The Serum Stick Special? The Serum Stick, as its name implies, is more than a makeup primer. It’s designed to perk up the eye area, hydrate the skin and decrease the appearance of fine lines. It glides over the face with ease and leaves behind a weightless, comfortable sensation. The formula is made of 80% squalane, a skincare superstar that locks in moisture without clogging pores and improves the skin barrier. Japanese lemon balm visibly reduces signs of aging such as crepiness while minimizing UV damage. It also features Hadasei-3, Tatcha’s signature blend of Japanese superfoods. Uji Green Tea detoxifies the skin and prevents premature aging, Okinawa Red Algae is rich in polysaccharides that promote skin water retention and renewal, and Akita Rice nourishes the skin thanks to essential proteins. If you’re conscious about the ingredients in your products, you’ll be pleased to know that the serum is formulated without mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, sulfate detergents, parabens, urea, DEA, TEA, or phthalates. It’s fragrance-free, too. Aniston does rely on beauty pros to look incredible – she is a fan of getting regular facials at Shani Darden's salon in Beverly Hills, according to Vogue. However, she is obsessed with skincare in general and has shared her favorite at-home tips and hacks over the years, so you know that if she uses and recommends something, it’s legit. What Regular People Have to Say About The Serum Stick Non-celebs are also on board with The Serum Stick. “Omg! This stick is amazing. With winter here my skin has been so dry. My nose is peeling super bad (gross). The serum stick has been my saving grace. I apply it under my foundation and it makes me look so glowy and hydrated. I love that you can use it on top of your makeup too for touch ups! This is my new must have! It’s so lightweight and doesn’t feel greasy. Winter must have!” wrote one reviewer. “It’s true that it glides on smoothly and gives an instant glow. Also, I have seen a huge difference in how this product evens out my skin tone. It’s the best anti-aging serum and can also be used as a face moisturizer. Overall, this multi--purpose TATCHA serum visibly reduces dryness, improves skin texture, and gives an instant glow and reduces appearance of fine lines,” added another. Try it out for yourself – you may just get hooked. SEE IT: $48 at Amazon.com Goalcast may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link in this article and buy a service or product. The links are independently placed by our Commerce team and do not influence editorial content.
Many of us were first introduced to Jennifer Aniston and Matthew Perry through the hit series Friends that would eventually become one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. For 10 years, the show went on to win over the hearts of many, portraying a group of close friends that people all lived vicariously through. To many fans, the Friends cast were as close friends off screen as they were on screen.RELATED: 25 Memorable Friends Quotes That Will Make Your DayIn Matthew Perry’s new memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir, he reveals the very dark truth about what went on in his personal life during the filming of the show. What was further revealed were many secrets that he had, especially when it came to his co-star Jenifer Aniston.Fans would now realize just how much of an impact Aniston truly had on Perry’s life, and how she would also become the only person to help him.Jennifer Aniston and Matthew Perry’s Special Relationship It was a given that Aniston and Perry were friends. They had been on a show for over 10 years and the cast always mentioned how they were close even off screen. It was evident that the chemistry of the cast was genuine, which is one of the reasons why the show was so successful.In recent news prior to the launching of Perry’s new memoir, he revealed that he had a huge crush on Aniston before they were cast on the show. In fact, three years before the two were destined to meet each other on the set of the sitcom, they were introduced to each other through mutual friends. He had taken a liking to her very quickly.RELATED: Was It Love at First Sight for Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet?Perry further reveals that he confessed his feelings to Aniston, but she could not reciprocate his feelings. He says in The Times, “Looking back, it was clear that this made her think I liked her too much or in the wrong kind of way… and I only compounded the error by then asking her out. She declined (which made it very difficult to actually go out with her), but said that she’d love to be friends with me, and I compounded the compound by blurting, “We can’t be friends!’”The two would awkwardly reunite several years later on the show. And despite Perry’s harboring feelings for Aniston, the two were able to have a professional relationship, and eventually became good friends.Perry would never have imagined that Aniston would be the very co-star and friend who would confront him and pull him out of the darkest period of his life.Matthew Perry Hits Rock BottomNBCPerry first became hooked on pills after an accident in 1997. The addiction to pills led him to rely on alcohol, but he never thought it would be noticeable when on set. He told Us Weekly in an interview, “It’s no accident that Chandler is a guy who is trying to deter his own human emotional feelings with laughter. That’s what I did for years,” Perry explained. “I’ve tried to palm myself off as being a jokester, kind of like hanging out with me is kind of like a vacation. But that could only take me so far.”His addiction to pills required him to be meeting with doctors and nurses, trying to find anyone who would be able to prescribe him any kind of medication. He’d lie about feeling sick, and would exhaust himself just trying to figure out where he could get his next fix.RELATED: How Stranger Things’ Jamie Campbell Bower Overcame AddictionHis reliance on pills and alcohol would send him to the hospital on several occasions. Pancreatitis, burst colon, being in a coma – all a result of the painkillers and alcohol he was consuming. He says he has 14 scars on his stomach as a result of various operations he had to have throughout the years.What would really push Perry to get the help he so desperately needed, was the last person he thought noticed his secret.Jennifer Aniston to the RescueBang ShowbizPerry suppressed his feelings for Aniston, which made for some awkwardness in their interactions at times. Despite the professional relationship they had, Perry would never have imagined that she would be the one to confront him and push him to sobriety.RELATED: 20 Jennifer Aniston Quotes on Dealing With Yourself Head-on — and WinningDuring Perry’s deep pit into the world of addiction, Aniston had walked into his trailer one day, and was very upfront: “We know you’re drinking.” Perry had been taken aback at this statement as he thought he was hiding it relatively well. She told him that they could smell the alcohol off of him and that he needed to seek help.This one simple sentence sparked Perry’s journey into getting the help he desperately needed. He checked himself in rehab, which started the very long and gruelling path to recovery. In an interview with Diane Sawyer, he says that he will always be eternally grateful to the actress, stating that she was the one who would check on him most while battling with his addictions.Sober and HopefulWhen the cast reunited in the infamous Friends reunion episode in 2021, Perry was clean for 18 months, the longest he has ever been sober. He is now able to safely say that although he is continuing on with his journey into sobriety, he can talk about it freely which he does in detail in his memoir.RELATED: Fitness Saved Her From Addiction and Homelessness, So She Opened a Gym to Help Others Stay SoberHe told People magazine that he wanted to make sure that he was finally in a sober enough state to be able to show people that they can get past the dark side. His hope is that he can help people. He is now happier and healthier than ever, revealing his newest obsession, which is Pickle-ball.Perry’s very long journey from addiction to sobriety is inspiring for many who deal with similar battles. Aniston goes to show that paying attention to people in your life, caring, and reaching out can change someone's life. Although it took many years, his story reveals that there can be a light at the end of a dark road. And with the support of a good friend, it can be a little less lonely.KEEP READING:Eminem Celebrates 10 Years Sober, Inspires People Struggling with Addiction to Open Up
The concerns over Jennifer Aniston’s personal life continue. Since her divorce from Brad Pitt in 2005, Jennifer has been the target of both widespread pity and vilification. Her single, childless status has always been a thorn in the side for some people, eliciting baseless assumptions about her character and her suitability as a wife. The attacks somewhat dwindled during her marriage to Justin Theroux, as she seemed to embrace the traditional framework of marriage once again. But once their marital union dissolved, Jen was excoriated for being a so-called spinster, driving men away intentionally, and not partaking in what a “good wife” is supposed to exemplify. Yet there are also people who idolize her for her choices; she’s paved the way for women who want to break convention and pursue rich, fulfilling lives without bothering themselves with marriage or parenthood. Three years following her divorce from Justin Theroux, Jennifer is opening up about her romantic aspirations and what she is looking for in an ideal partner. Her view carries a powerful lesson about finding love in the wake of failure. Jennifer is ready to find love again but does have a few requirementsIn an interview with Bruce Bozzi in SiriusXM’s podcast Lunch with Bruce, Jennifer Aniston reveals she’s ready to jump back into the dating pool. She’s had adequate self-reflection and individual growth over the past three years and is looking forward to embarking on a new chapter. “I think I'm ready to share myself with another,” she told Bruce. She says she hasn’t come across anyone of “importance” just yet, but when she does meet this special person, she wouldn’t mind pursuing something intimate, that is, if the opportunity presents itself.Jennifer Aniston and Brad PittNo one of importance has hit my radar yet, but I think it's time. I think I'm ready to share myself with another.Jennifer Aniston on Lunch with Bruce The 52-year-old also added that the reason she has kept largely to herself in the years since her divorce is that she wanted to be her “own woman” and didn’t want to be emotionally or financially entangled with a man. She’s been coupled with one guy or the other since age 20, so Jennifer needed some space and time to recuperate and, more critically, rediscover herself from a fresh perspective. “'I’ve been a part of a couple since I was 20, so there was something really nice about taking the time,” she explained in the podcast. What’s unfortunate is how the masses don’t really care about Jennifer’s experience through self-sufficiency and womanhood; they take a single glance at her domestic life and immediately make up their minds about her place in society. It doesn’t matter if you’re a multimillionaire actress of undeniable talent and impressive social standing; as long as you’re single and without a child, your worth to society is next to nothing, and you become fair game for any kind of vitriol. However, Jennifer isn’t letting the judgment get in the way of her quest to find love. She doesn’t want a husband but a “fantastic partner” she can have fun withIn the same interview, Jennifer also discusses the attributes she seeks in her future companion. It’s impossible to guarantee perfection in an individual, but setting criteria can help you meet your match and narrow down the list. In Jennifer’s view, her man should have “confidence, but not a cockiness.” He should possess “humor” and generosity in spades and should make an effort to be kind to everyone. The conversion with him should flow with “ease” and that he’s able to maintain some standard of fitness as he ages. “Fitness is important and not just about like how you look,” she said. The Morning Show star said she doesn’t want to be trapped in a wheelchair by the time she’s 80; she wants to live well and healthy for as long as she can, so ideally, her partner should share as much, if not more, enthusiasm for longevity. Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux Generous, kind to people. You know, it's just very few necessities [...] I'm interested in finding a fantastic partner and just living an enjoyable life and having fun with one another. That's all we should hope for. Jennifer Aniston on Lunch with Bruce It’s not a tall order to fill if you think about it, but yet, the fact she’s approaching the dating world with a few ground rules demonstrates her level of self-worth. She knows what she deserves, and she’s not willing to invest in anyone who doesn’t treat her with the utmost respect. Just because she’s endured a lot of pain and humiliation in her previous marriages doesn’t mean she should lower her standards. Jen’s a daring, gorgeous, and successful woman, and she should be able to get with anyone she likes without compromising on her values. Jen also sheds light on her opinion of dating apps and whether that’s an avenue she’s considering to find someone. “'Absolutely no,” she said straightforwardly. Jennifer still adheres to the fantasy of meeting a man in a natural setting and going from there. She wants the connection to build and take shape organically, and the dating apps are just not designed for this function. “I'm going to just stick to the normal ways of dating. Having someone ask you out. That's the way I would prefer it,” she said. It doesn’t matter if she’s being “old-school” in this instance; she shouldn’t have to take the easier route because she’s middle-aged. Young or old, there’s something magical about striking up a conversation with someone out of nowhere and realizing you’re intrigued by their presence and want to get to know them more. Lastly, Jennifer clarifies in the podcast that she doesn’t necessarily want a husband; she wants a significant other she can make memories, have fun, and grow old with for as long as possible. She doesn’t require a legally binding contract to solidify the love; the love should be omnipresent without being “etched in stone in legal documents.”There’s always room for more loveJennifer Aniston expressing a desire to explore romance despite her relationship failures show it’s never too late to seek new opportunities. There’s always a risk associated with letting someone in and trusting them with your heart but as you get older, the companionship feels more meaningful than ever before. It doesn’t mean you should just settle for anybody, but you shouldn’t give up on these possibilities, either. We need to shatter age-old expectations about love and age and instead embrace the spontaneity of life. You never know when somebody can walk into your life and transform it in a matter of a few seconds, so it doesn’t hurt to keep your mind open. Of course, sometimes, the hope kills you, but as long as you’re brave enough to face these experiences in the first place, you’ll find it’s worth your time. More inspiring stories:Jennifer Aniston’s Biggest Regret From Her Marriage to Brad Pitt Is a Lesson for Us AllWhat Jennifer Aniston Learned From Her Toxic Relationship With Her DadHere’s what Jennifer Aniston Did When Her Ex John Mayer Attacked HerWhat We Can Learn From Jennifer Aniston And Brad Pitt’s Final Vacation Pictures
Jennifer Aniston was born on February 11, 1969, in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles. Her family members include her famous father and soap opera star, John Aniston, actress mother Nancy Dow, and half-brothers, John T. Melick and Alexander John Aniston. Being the celebrity she is, Jennifer Aniston has had her fair share of media attention. She’s been interviewed by various outlets; from TV shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live to magazines like Marie Claire orVanity Fair. Jennifer Aniston has been known to be a kind person with a great sense of humor. Aside from her roles in comedies, we got a taste of her humor when she pranked BBC Radio 1 host, Chris Stark, during an interview. When he asked her about making “the first move” on a man, Jennifer told the radio host she was offended by his line of questioning and that it was inappropriate given that she was in a relationship with Justin Theroux at the time. DJ Scott Mills, the show’s co-host and one who orchestrated the prank, eventually walks in and they explain it was all in good fun, but this wasn’t before Chris Stark ended up with tears in his eyes over the exchange.It’s been over fifteen years, and audiences are still trying to decipher the Jennifer Aniston-Brad Pitt-Angelina Jolie debacle. The consensus is that Brad Pitt couldn’t resist Angelina Jolie’s feminine wiles on the set of their 2005 film Mr. and Mrs. Smith, so he quickly abandoned Aniston for Angelina Jolie. Underpinning this theory is the widespread belief that Angelina offered something Jennifer didn’t: the opportunity to have children. None of the parties have confirmed anything, but because Jennifer Aniston is a 40+ year old actress without a child, people have shamelessly peddled rumors about her desire to become a mother and how this may have essentially splintered her five-year marriage with Brad. Never mind that Brad is universally believed to have had an extramarital affair with Angelina, the controversy was centered around a woman’s choice, or supposed lack thereof, of building a family — even though there is no proof supporting this conjecture. It’s high time we break down this commonly held assumption and dig deeper into Brad and Jennifer’s attitudes regarding parenting. Jennifer Has Always Wanted to Be a Mother: “I Did, and I Do and I Will!”For starters, Jennifer Aniston has never been opposed to having children, so the public running away with this narrative is nothing short of devious. In a revealing profile inVanity Fair a year after her divorce, Jennifer reaffirmed her yearning to experience motherhood. I’ve never in my life said I didn’t want to have children. I did and I do and I will!Jennifer Aniston to Vanity FairThe Friends star outlined the double standard associated with singling out her childless status to perpetuate a myth. She was only in her mid-thirties at the time, so it seems even more bizarre in hindsight that the public would lambast their beloved Rachel for focusing on her profession. “A man divorcing would never be accused of choosing career over children,” she said. She added how she’s always modeled her life on women who can balance their work with family, those who can seemingly “have it all.” She doesn’t want to limit herself in the least and would “never give up” her family for a career. Nonetheless, she ended up on the receiving end of a ferocious rumor mill. The public was desperate to identify an inciting cause to the split, so they chose to pile on her without fear of consequence. Nobody asked whether Brad wanted children or if the couple were emotionally ready for the responsibility. RELATED: As A Single Mother, Angelina Jolie Defies The Odd Of Her Broken FamilyIn fact, a mutual friend told Vanity Fair that Brad, not Jennifer, was the one uncertain about parenthood. “When Brad and Jen were in the marriage, having a baby was not his priority—ever,” they told the mag. It was more of an “abstract desire” for him but an “immediate” concern for Jennifer. The actress, upon completing the final season of Friends in 2004, even told The Guardian she’s ready to explore maternity quite soon. “It's time. You know, I think you can work with a baby” she said at the time. “So I'm just truly looking forward to slowing down."So Why Did Brad Leave Jennifer to Raise a Family With Angelina?If Brad was so hesitant at the time, why did he pursue the strenuous task of raising six children with Angelina Jolie?According to sources, his journey into being a dad wasn’t so much an active decision but a natural byproduct of being in a relationship with Angelina. She’d been a single mother to son Maddox and was in the process of adopting her second child when she fell in love with Brad. That’s why he instinctively decided to step up to the plate and undertake the responsibilities of a father. If you’re dating a single parent, you’ll realize it’s next to impossible not to get attached to their child. They quickly become your family, and you can’t help but become a hands-on figure in the children's lives. If that’s what truly happened with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, it’s no surprise why he decided to embrace the parenting adventure with arms wide open.RELATED: Jennifer Aniston’s Biggest Regret From Her Marriage to Brad Pitt Is a Lesson for Us AllObviously, we can’t confirm if this is what occurred, but looping back to Jennifer, this alleged account does explain why Brad seemed so willing to devote himself to parenthood with Angelina but not Jennifer. Nevertheless, it doesn’t explain why Jennifer Aniston faced the brunt of the abuse in the wake of the divorce announcement. There is a pressure on women to be mothers, and if they are not, then they’re deemed damaged goods. Maybe my purpose on this planet isn’t to procreate. Maybe I have other things I’m supposed to do?Jennifer Aniston to InStyleShe and Brad made a wonderful pair and undoubtedly bonded over a number of interests and passions, so does she automatically become a bad wife if she doesn’t have a child as quickly as she can? Is her entire worth based on her decision to bring life into this world?Of course not. And while a man whose partner decides they don't want children – whether at all or later – will inevitably be forced to make a decision about staying in the relationship or not. Not because this partner is no longer loveable or worthy, but because their desires in life no longer align. Unfortunately, Jennifer has been positioned over the last sixteen years as the villain in this situation. Her choosing not to prioritize pregnancy has been cited as the number-one reason as to why their marriage failed. RELATED: What We Can Learn From Jennifer Aniston And Brad Pitt’s Final Vacation PicturesBrad did the whole song and dance with Angelina: they welcomed six children — three adopted, three biological — they walked down the aisle, and she changed her last name. They did everything a traditional couple would, but did it protect their marriage? Not at all; instead, they’ve gone through a nasty custody battle that’s exposing the worst of a 12-year partnership. Having a baby isn’t going to “save” your relationship. Sure, it can enrich your relationship and enable you and your partner to take upon new challenges, but it's not a guarantee to make you happy.What Jennifer Aniston Has to Say About All the Pregnancy RumorsThe Morning Show star has tried to keep as much of her personal life as private as possible, but unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. This is especially true when the whole world is seemingly obsessed with whether or not she’ll ever have kids. Despite her light-heartedness and easy-going nature, Jennifer Aniston has been vocal about her feelings surrounding the world’s obsession with her personal choices. In 2016, Jennifer Aniston wrote a powerful essay for The Huffington Post about this very subject. Evidently and understandably, Jen wrote, “I am not pregnant. What I am is fed up.”Then in 2021, Jennifer Aniston opened to The Hollywood Reporter about the subject again, explaining how “hurtful” and “nasty” it was for her to go all these years trying to ignore all the pregnancy rumors. The media immediately painted her as the villain in her divorce with Brad Pitt, saying that he had no choice but to leave her as she refused to have kids. "I used to take it all very personally. And the whole 'Oh, she chose career over kids' assumption." You have no clue what’s going with me personally, medically, why I can’t… can I have kids? They don’t know anything, and it was really hurtful and just nasty.Jennifer Aniston to The Hollywood Reporter“Now you’ve got social media. It’s almost like the media handed over the sword to any Joe Schmo sitting behind a computer screen to be a troll or whatever they call them and bully people in comment sections,” she explained, adding that there’s “such a cruel streak in society.” “What the tabloids and the media did to people’s personal lives back then, regular people are doing now,” she said. “Although I haven’t seen a tabloid in so long. Am I still having twins? Am I going to be the miracle mother at 52?” She also compared her experience with that of Dolly Parton, saying how unfortunate it is that although Dolly Parton never had kids, people aren't condemning her for it or trying to "put her in a white picket fence."There’s More to Love Than Raising a FamilyJennifer has been unjustifiably maligned in the lengthy Jen-Brad-Ang saga. Just because she dares to live as a childless, husband-less woman in her fifties, she’s immediately characterized as a mean spinster who’s never going to find someone to settle down with. The truth of the matter is that you shouldn’t pursue a relationship seriously if you aren't on the same page regarding children. This decision can be a dealbreaker, so if you and your partner are of two minds about this, it’s better to go your separate ways — as tough as it may sound. There’s no confirming what transcended between Jennifer and Brad — who wanted kids, who didn’t want kids, why did they wait so long — but she shouldn’t be deemed an unsuitable wife under any circumstance. Just because she didn’t pop out a few babies for Brad doesn’t mean her personality and companionship weren’t enough to sustain their marriage. Marriage and parenthood are two disparate entities, and you shouldn’t make the mistake of conflating them. Being a good wife is not synonymous with being a good mother, and vice versa. You are more than your ability to reproduce; before you venture into parenthood, consider your other qualities and ask yourself whether you need to work on yourself before devoting yourself to such an ordeal. If you believe you don’t need to add a few young ones to feel worthy, that’s a fair choice. KEEP READING:How Brad Pitt Focused on Sobriety and Self-Improvement After Split From Angelina Jolie
It’s fair to say Jennifer Aniston is one of the most stunning women on this planet. In fact, she’s seamlessly held this unofficial position for nearly thirty years. Whether you’re 14, 32, or 48, you’ve likely had a crush on Rachel from Friends at some point in your life. If not a crush, perhaps an unexplainable fondness. You admire her ability to stand tall in the face of adversity. You admire her illustrious body of work, the advocacy work that is second to none, a charismatic, kind personality that shines through in each and every appearance. You admire how she’s been able to preserve her beauty over the years, her skincare regimen, her commitment to meeting exceedingly high body standards, her tendency to prioritize self-care over material possessions. There’s a lot to like about Jennifer Aniston, and it’s all too tempting to sing praises of how she’s been able to defy aging by still being as gorgeous as in her early twenties. Yet, The Morning Show lead will be the first to tell you it’s not always empowering to compliment someone, especially a woman, for “looking good for her age.” Here’s a deeper look at her reasoning:If Jennifer feels “physically incredible,” why should anyone comment on her age?In a revealing interview with InStyle, Jennifer opens up, among a variety of subjects, about the perception of beauty and how it applies to older women. The actress turned 50 a few years back but isn’t remotely bothered with the connotations that accompany the milestone. Everyone expects you to be married with children by the time you hit fifty, and if you somehow manage to fail the mission and end up both single and childless, as is the case with Jennifer, you’re going to be portrayed as a bitter spinster who repulses all humanity. Things aren't shutting down in any way. I feel physically incredible. So it's weird that it's all of a sudden getting telegraphed in a way that's like, 'You look amazing for your age.' I think we need to establish some etiquette around that dialogue and verbiage.Jennifer Aniston to InStyleOnly, the issue with Jennifer is that she doesn’t quite fit the traditional look of a spinster; she isn’t ugly, she doesn’t look ‘old,’ and she isn’t cruel or rancourous or petulant in the least bit, so audiences don’t have a way of classifying her within her age range. This lack of knowledge approaching someone her age leads to well-intentioned but misguided comments like, “you look so good for your age!” While there’s nothing wrong with these remarks per se, it does expose our mindset around older women and their desirability, or lack thereof. Jennifer doesn’t feel any different in her fifties than she did in her thirties or forties. It doesn’t mean she hasn’t evolved or discovered new dimensions to herself, but those realizations were catalyzed by experience, not her biological clock. “Fifty was the first time I thought, 'Well, that number,' she said. “I don't know what it is because I don't feel any different.”She says aging is a “privilege” we shouldn’t feel scared to undergoWhat we have to understand as a society is that people don’t just stop being attractive at some arbitrary number. It doesn’t make sense that you’re rosy, youthful, and desirable one second and suddenly ugly the next. Virtually nothing changes between when you’re twenty-nine and when you’re thirty. The biological changes that take place do so gradually and without some major announcement. Moreover, why does a woman have to stop being beautiful if she’s in her forties or fifties as if it’s some kind of an anomaly for women in this age group to still look appealing? If beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, isn’t it unfair to identify some older women as gorgeous and others as average? If you’re gushing over someone for looking fabulous for her age, what does it mean for her peers who you dismiss as simply serviceable? I’m at the age where I’m more interested than ever in my health, and my life is thriving, but according to society, this is when I should be going out to pasture. No, no, no. Jennifer Aniston to VogueThis distinction goes beyond gender. In this day and age, with advancements in healthcare, skincare, fitness, and just simple lifestyle innovations, it’s not unusual for people to retain their aesthetic allure well into their fifties. You don’t have to be a multi-million dollar celebrity to ‘look good for your age; anyone can do so, and they shouldn’t be treated as some sort of miracle. If you’re a bombshell in your fifties, you shouldn’t be held on a pedestal as if you’re beating the odds; those odds shouldn’t exist in the first place. You don’t look good for your age; you just look good, period. Jennifer firmly believes in the notion that aging is a gift, and we have to embrace it however we can. Our body will go through its changes, but the most crucial developments will be in your mind. As long as you prioritize self-care and feel good about yourself, you don’t have to feel the slightest bit of anxiety for what the years will bring. There’s plenty of gas left in the tank, and it’s up to you where you want to take the car. “It’s just sort of been a theme in my life: to enjoy the age I am and not look at aging as a negative, but as the privilege that it is,” she said. “We all age!”Aging is natural but irrelevant to your beautyAt the end of the day, beauty is entirely subjective, and everyone is going to age in some way or the other. You don’t know how it will manifest, and you don’t have an idea of the precise year it’s going to transpire. Perhaps it starts with mild back pain, or maybe you realize your energy is depleting. However, these symptoms don’t have to signal aging at all and can be attributed to a wide number of other phenomena. That’s the crux: we need to stop connecting beauty with age as if one is completely determined by the other. Secondly, if your body is running smoothly and you still feel fit and attractive, why should society impose some inconsistent parameters on you? Thirdly, just because you’re past the reproductive age (which itself is an unreliable metric, mind you), it doesn’t mean you’re heading to your old age. You’re quite a ways off old age, and that’s a fact. Associating aging with unattractiveness is akin to associating youth with beauty. There will always be people on both sides who don’t fit the mold, but instead of comparing them with their peers, we can remove those distinctions altogether and focus on self-belief as the guiding principle. As long as you’re working on yourself and feel comfortable in your skin, it doesn’t matter what it says on your ID. More inspiring stories:What Jennifer Aniston Learned From Her Toxic Relationship With Her DadHere’s what Jennifer Aniston Did When Her Ex John Mayer Attacked HerWhat We Can Learn From Jennifer Aniston And Brad Pitt’s Final Vacation PicturesHow Jennifer Aniston Got Past Her Toxic Relationship With Her Mom
Where did it go wrong for Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt?It’s a question that will continue to puzzle the masses for a long time. For better or for worse, the end of Brad and Jennifer’s marriage marked a turning point for celebrity culture. Prior to this development, we’d think about famous figures only when we were watching them on-screen, or if we happened to read about them in a magazine or a newspaper. They were but an inconsequential part of our lives that we hardly paid heed to.Upon the dissolution of Jennifer and Brad’s beloved, high-profile marriage, however, the public collectively realized that somewhere along the way, they’d build a parasocial bond with the couple. They were already familiar with Jennifer as Rachel from Friends, and Brad had strikingly established himself as one of the most charismatic, talented actors of his generation. It was perhaps inevitable that their following would evolve into a beast of its own, a personal obsession that we’re still unpacking fifteen years later. There is a whole array of factors that triggered their scandalous split, some of which will never see the light of day, and Jennifer Aniston isn’t hesitant about expressing a few regrets. They don’t tell us the whole story, but they do shed a little light on what occurred between the two.Jennifer reveals her one regretIn a startlingly candid interview with Vanity Fair just a year after separating from Brad, Jennifer laid out everything she could find within herself to share. A number of heartbreaking truths were disclosed, yet the actress made sure not to disparage her ex-husband and exacerbate an already toxic situation. The wounds were still fresh, so one would have exactly blamed her if she decided to go the other route and tear into Brad. Jennifer revealed that she’d been just as blown over by the divorce announcement as the rest of us. “The world was shocked, and I was shocked,” she told the outlet. Yet, she and Brad worked together to create and deliver a statement that represented a calm, cordial front. It was necessary for Jennifer that they “exited this relationship as beautifully as [they] entered it.”Jen experienced a whirlpool of emotions in the days, weeks, and months that followed. Brad jumped into a flagrant, oft-photographed romance with Angelina. Jennifer, on the other hand, underwent the usual stages of grief and struggled to process how her world shattered in a matter of months. She was confused, she was lonely, she was angry, but she persevered to focus on herself and wholeheartedly embrace this journey of self-discovery. Through this trying time, Jennifer experienced a number of profound realizations that up until then had been embedded deep within her heart. Speaking about her regrets about the marriage, Jennifer said that she wished she didn’t “give over so much” of herself to the relationship, that she’d been able to hold her ground in certain circumstances and prioritize her own wellbeing. I wouldn’t give over so much of myself, which I did at times. It was that thing about being a nurturer; I love taking care of people, and I definitely put his needs before mine sometimes.Jennifer Aniston to Vanity FairThe Morning Show actress revealed that she couldn’t help but lose herself in the process. If you don’t have a solid grasp of your identity and find yourself bending to someone else’s will frequently, it’s all too easy, unfortunately, to get wrapped up in the other person’s whims and forget about your passions and dreams. This is not dissimilar to what had occurred with Brad, and perhaps it may have played a part in alienating the two individuals from one another. She still feels "lucky" to have been married to him, and doesn't "regret any of it"Jennifer added among her list of regrets that she would have taken more time off work, gone on vacations, gotten away from the hustle and bustle, and given herself the time and space to truly unwind. In their five-year marriage, either she or Brad were always working, leaving them with hardly any time to embark on getaways together. This regret stands in stark contrast to the assumption, and later, vilification of Jennifer’s character as a ‘career-obsessed’ woman who didn’t want kids. In the Vanity Fair article itself, Jennifer said this was nothing but a misogynistic attempt to debase her and portray her as the bad guy in the fiasco. For all the hurt that was inflicted on her through the separation and divorce proceedings, Jennifer made good on her promise to keep Brad in her heart forever. It’s incredibly resilient of her to keep the bad vibes away from the interview and direct her attention to the brilliant memories that she’d made with Brad over the course of seven years. She said she felt “lucky” to have had a lovely marriage with him for the most part, and that she’s always going to value the moments they shared and the lessons he’d taught her. I will love him for the rest of my life. He’s a fantastic man. I don’t regret any of it, and I’m not going to beat myself up about it. We spent seven very intense years together; we taught each other a lot—about healing, and about fun.Jennifer Aniston to Vanity FairIt’s no surprise that Brad and Jen are still friendly with each other and aren’t shy to be publicly affectionate — despite the tabloids posting outrageous theories and rumors in response. We don’t know if they have closure, but one could hazard a guess that they are at a good place and have established a good friendship, which is more than what you can ask for in such an absurd state of affairs. More importantly, Jennifer’s discoveries about self-love still hold true today. How common is it to start letting your natural identity fade as you’re trying to appease your partner and adapt to their needs and desires? It’s an “insidious” process, as Jennifer puts it. One moment you’re self-assured about your identity and what it means to you; the next moment, you’re breaking your back trying to define yourself in the most simple terms. I feel like I’ve broken the pattern now. I’ll never let myself down like that again. I feel like my sense of self is being strengthened because of it. Jennifer Aniston to Vanity FairNever lose sight of who you are It’s normal, if not encouraged, to prioritize the other person when you made a serious commitment to someone. You want to make them smile, you want to compromise to make their day just a little better, you’re willing to neglect your wants to suit theirs, but there’s a fine line between giving yourself over to the other person entirely and simply adjusting to their style. There’s value in holding back, in being more reserved with your partner. It’s not that you shouldn’t reveal all your cards; it’s about protecting your heart and putting yourself first. You’re the only one who has to live with the good, the bad, the ugly. If you can hold your head high and tell yourself that you deserve to be at the top of your priority list, you won’t be left feeling like a fool should something go wrong. Compromises come with the territory, but the most sustainable relationships are powered by a whole lot of self-love. More inspiring stories:What We Can Learn From Jennifer Aniston And Brad Pitt’s Final Vacation PicturesJennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt’s Reunion Has People Talking but for the Wrong ReasonHow Brad Pitt Focused on Sobriety and Self-Improvement After Split From Angelina JolieHere’s what Jennifer Aniston Did When Her Ex John Mayer Attacked Her
Over the course of a three-decade long career, Jennifer Aniston has become one of Hollywood’s most successful and beloved actresses.It took hard work and a strong personality for Aniston to achieve what she has today. It’s really easy to give up on a dream after a few failures, but when someone close constantly criticizes you, it’s a wonder that you even started pursuing it, For Aniston, that “someone close” was her own mother.Discouraged by her mother’s words and some unsuccessful television series at the beginning of her career, Aniston was on the verge of giving up. But just before that happened, she was cast as the beautiful, funny, and loveable Rachel Green in one of the most popular series of all times: Friends.In spite of her personal struggles and the fact the media somehow gave her the image of “poor Jennifer” Aniston never posed as a victim. She proved to be a strong woman who simply faces life and wins every time. Not to mention that she is as beautiful as ever and rocks her 50s!Here are 20 Jennifer Aniston quotes on facing up and winning:The greater your capacity to love, the greater your capacity to feel the pain.There are no regrets in life, just lessons.Once you figure out who you are and what you love about yourself, I think it all kinda falls into place.It’s impossible to satisfy everyone, and I suggest we all stop trying.True love brings up everything – you’re allowing a mirror to be held up to you daily.Look I eat really well and I work out, but I also indulge when I want to. I don’t starve myself in an extremist way. You’re not taking away my coffee or my dairy or my glass of wine because I’d be devastated.A relationship isn’t going to make me survive. It’s the cherry on top.People who avoid the brick walls - all power to ya, but we all have to hit them sometimes in order to push through to the next level, to evolve.I'm not sitting dwelling about the past or stressing or fretting about something in the future.Wrinkles happen to human beings.I think it’s important to have closure in any relationship that ends – from a romantic relationship to a friendship. You should always have a sense of clarity at the end and know why it began and why it ended. You need that in your life to move cleanly into your next phase.I think it’s always important to reflect anyway, no matter what age you’re approaching or what milestone is in front of you. Reflection should be almost a daily thing if possible.Really try to follow what it is that you want to do and what your heart is telling you to do.It's sad, something coming to an end. It cracks you open, in a way - cracks you open to feeling.I realized it was only me who was stopping myself from living my life.I think you miss out on a lot of stuff when you're so protected and isolated.When you try to avoid the pain, it creates greater pain. I always say don't make plans, make options.Beauty is inner confidence. Peace. Kindness. Honesty. A life well-lived. Taking on challenges and not feeling shame for things that haven’t gone the way you felt they should have.If you're not happy, you can become happy.
As far as women’s empowerment and equality has come in this world -- and it’s come pretty far. We’re able to vote, wear pants (believe it or not, that was a thing until fairly recently), serve in the military, and work many jobs once reserved as “men’s” jobs -- there’s still an archaic belief that a woman’s only real role of importance is to be a wife and mother, and without that role, her life is meaningless.I know it from my personal life. No matter what personal career achievements I make, my parents are constantly putting me down for not yet being married and making them grandparents. To them, nothing else matters, and so nothing I do really matters. Because I haven’t done that one thing, I am a failure.Jennifer Aniston, rich, famous, and talented as she is, knows this struggle as well -- she's fought against gendered expectations of how she lives her life for the better part of 20 years now.Famously married to Brad Pitt in the early 2000s, their marriage fell apart when he left her for Angelina Jolie, whom he met on a movie set. The tabloids framed Jolie as the temptress who lured Pitt away from the spurned Aniston.To the media, Jennifer was a helpless victim who couldn't move onThroughout the next 15 years of "Brangelina," Aniston was frequently cast as the wrench in the super-couple's romance, forever on the verge of breaking them up, of welcoming a fleeing Pitt back with open arms.Nearly a decade after her divorce from Pitt, Aniston married Justin Theroux, a fellow TV star. The tabloid thirst for marriage now satisfied, the next fixation became her lack of children. Stories swirled about Aniston's fertility struggles, her unwillingness to have children, her husband's unwillingness to have children, their agonizing over whether to adopt.Her marriage to Theroux lasted two years before the media was given a chance to spurn their "Aniston abandoned" narrative again. Now that Pitt's marriage to Jolie has ended, the rumors are swirling that "Brad and Jen" could reunite."There is more to me than just a tabloid girl. This whole 'Poor lonely Jen' thing, this idea that I'm so unlucky in love? I actually feel I've been unbelievably lucky in love." Jennifer Aniston, VogueFor the past two decades, the media has given Jennifer Aniston hell for being "unlucky" in love and for not becoming a mom, even though she's always maintained she is neither of those things.We see that in a very public eye, as the world continues to pity Jennifer Aniston -- a beautiful, healthy, and incredibly successful actress -- because she too has not "yet" become a mother. Even as she’s constantly said she’s very happy with her life, people seem unable to accept that’s possible.But it's also very possible, and it's the reality for many women.I think people maybe want me to have a kid now... If it happens, it happens. I'm calm and peaceful with whatever the plan is. Jennifer Aniston, GQBringing life into the world is a wonderful thing. Many women find having children to be extremely fulfilling for themselves personally. There is more than one way to be fulfilledIn fact, at times, women temporarily lose their identity while throwing their life into their children. “It is true that if a woman holds a core belief that a woman must have children to feel fulfilled, then it can have a powerfully negative affect on her,” said Kim Chronister, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist.However, if a woman does not subscribe to this myth and holds the perception that they do not need children to be happy, then they likely will be unphased. The three magic ingredients for fulfillment“We know from research that we need three ingredients to be tended to for a full identity and contentment,” said Chronister. These factors are: connection, meaning and purpose, and activity.1. Connection Connection can be found in romantic relationships, familial relationships, work relationships, and friendships. It can also be found when we are engaging in philanthropy. Tending to adult family members can be a hugely fulfilling of making or rediscovering connection.As Aniston once said: "Where would you be without friends? The people to pick you up when you need lifting? We come from homes far from perfect, so you end up almost parent and sibling to your friends - your own chosen family. There's nothing like a really loyal, dependable, good friend. Nothing."2. Meaning and purposeMeaning and purpose can be found in also be found through volunteer work, along with engaging in the arts, expressing yourself creatively, and excelling at work in your chosen field. With an iconic TV career under her belt, Aniston has now turned her attention to film, where her career is thriving as well.3. ActivityLastly, having a very active lifestyle can be a major protective factor while also being a major pillar for identity and contentment. Thus: “It is absolutely possible that Jennifer Aniston is fulfilled without children based on what we know from positive psychology research,” said Chronister.“Our society has yet to expand its visions of what a fulfilling life can look like, and unfortunately one of the more common misconceptions is that women need to be married with kids to be happy,” says sex expert and author Antonia Hall. “Science backs up that not only are single, childless women happy, they live longer, have less illness and are happier than the rest of the population."And Aniston -- gorgeous and fit and looking younger than ever in her 50s -- is proof positive that we can forge our own paths to fulfillment with connection, purpose, and activity, rather than following the path set out for us by others.
Jennifer Aniston - AppreciateActor Jennifer Aniston speaks about the necessity of experiencing pain in our lives, and the importance of choosing to pick ourselves up and move on.Transcript:"Injury, depression, pain. People become comfortable with it, and it becomes part of their identity. It becomes something that ... I don't know why, but I know there are people that make the decision to pull themselves out of it and move forward and there are people that are very comfortable being stuck in it. We all have varying degrees of loss and sadness and pain in our lives, and it's a necessity honestly, because then how would we appreciate the good times and the hopeful times and all of the abundance that life has, if you go and grab it? It's a personal choice to get up, and move on, and be better."
