Years ago I read this review on a new book at the time, The Happiness Curve: Why Life Gets Better After 50 by Jonathan Rauch. The book explores the phenomenon of a "U-shaped" trajectory in life satisfaction. Drawing on extensive research, Rauch reveals that happiness often declines from our 20s into our 40s, reaching a low point in midlife, before rising again in our 50s and beyond. This pattern, observed across various cultures and demographics, suggests that the midlife slump is a natural phase rather than a crisis. When I read the review I remember thinking, sweet! I have something to look forward to in a few years.