Interpersonal relations in old age
 I would never trade my amazing friends, my  wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly.  As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of  myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating  that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but  looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be  messy, to be extravagant.   I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before  they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.   Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer  until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish  to weep over a lost love ... I will.  I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with  abandon if I c...