On developing a relationship with my aging face

You can't love a stranger.

I’ve been spending a lot of time looking at myself in the mirror lately.

It’s not exactly vanity, I don’t think - I wouldn’t say I’m “primping” during my extended mirror-gazing sessions, beyond my rather simple skincare & makeup routine. Nor am I critiquing. It’s more a sense of curiosity and exploration, tinged with occasional moments of dismay or, on …