Bernard O’Shea: Five things I’ve learned to pretend about in my 40s

Once you hit 40, pretending becomes a survival strategy. For your back, your marriage, and your musical taste

Bernard O'Shea: "Back pain becomes increasingly common after 40 due to something called ‘disc degeneration’ — which sounds like a bad DJ name but is actually just ageing bones throwing in the towel."

1. I pretend I know how to fix things around the house

In your 40s, you’re expected to have this mystical ability to fix things. Dripping tap? No problem. Wobbly table? I’ll just wedge something under it and call it ‘stabilising’.