There are about 35 of us beauty editors at a presentation of a company's new product. I'm new, too, new to the job of beauty editor, just learning the ropes. Most of the women are lovely, sparkling, and girlish; only a few of us have seen 40 (and fewer yet, like me, are peering fondly back). A convivial young man standing at a wooden podium welcomes us. "Thank you all for coming," he says, sparkling a little himself. "I have a question for you," he says. He leans against the podium professorially: "Can anyone tell me, what are the four signs of aging?"

I generally do well in classroom situations, and greenhorn though l am, l know the answer he's looking for: fine lines, sagging skin, excessive dryness, etc. But I'm reluctant to raise my hand. Because if l do, and l give him the answer I believe is true. I'm afraid l might put a blight on the magazine l love and now represent. What if the young man is offended because I'm not playing along? So l sit on my hands and regretting, regretting, bite my tongue.

Today, however—two years of experience and a lifetime of antiaging presentations later— is a different story. Ask the question again; in fact, I dare you to ask the question. Because now l am very sure there is only one right answer, and it is my happy responsibility to give it.

What are the four signs of aging?

They are Wisdom, Confidence, Character, and Strength.

Look for them not with dismay, but with hope.