We put such an emphasis on age in our society. I even do it myself sometimes. And on my latest birthday, I almost let those feelings of inadequacy and insecurity seep into my mind as the clocks struck 12. But once I journaled and had a few moments of reflection, I realized that aging is a gift and an opportunity. It's time to ask yourself, how can I improve? Because one thing is for sure, wine isn't the only thing that gets better with time. I mean just think of your celebrity crushes, time hasn't done anything but bless them as they've gotten older, wiser, and...finer.

When I reflect on the people I look up to, I realize quite a few of them came into their prime as they aged. And if we're talking about physicality, most of my celebrity crushes have aged gracefully. I think it's because there's something so appealing about a man who is experienced and confident in who he is and his appearance. Don't believe me? Check out this list of our favorite MCMs who are 45+, then try to tell me age hasn't turned men we've always envisioned as eye candy into undeniable soul food.

Idris Elba, 52 (Married)

Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty ImagesIdris Elba, 52 (Married)

I mean, do we really need an explanation? Whether he is starring in a groundbreaking film like Mandela or a culture-changing show like The Wire, Idris Elba somehow always becomes one of our favorite characters. And Idris' amazing acting isn't the only reason why.

Nelly, 50 (Married)

Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty ImagesNelly, 50 (Married)

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just us? In 2021, Nelly was honored at the BET Hip Hop Awards and reminded us why he will always be on our MCM list.

Michael Ealy, 51 (Married)

Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for GershMichael Ealy, 51 (Married)

Remember the scene in Think Like a Man where Michael Ealy's character (Dominic) licked Lauren's (played by Taraji P. Henson) leg? I think that may have birthed this crush. That, and the eyes.

Method Man, 53 (Married)

Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for ESSENCEMethod Man, 53 (Married)

Have you ever noticed that every time a woman interviews Method Man, she seems to be smiling? I don't think that it's a coincidence that his personality and charming features just draw us in!

Morris Chestnut, 55 (Married)

Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for ESSENCEMorris Chestnut, 55 (Married)

Best Man, Boyz in the Hood, Like Mike – and so many more of our classics had Morris Chestnut starring in it. Looking back, I was kinda young to love a couple of these films as much as I did. But, now I appreciate their excellence and Morris Chestnut even more.

Boris Kodjoe, 51 (Married)

Photo by Aliah Anderson/WireImageBoris Kodjoe, 51 (Married)

Whew, Boris Kodjoe never disappoints. And the example he and his wife set for married couples, such as Brian J. White and others, is truly beautiful.

Taye Diggs, 53 (Divorced)

Photo by Victoria Sirakova/Getty ImagesTaye Diggs, 53 (Divorced)

Brown Sugar is one of my favorite movies of all time, but Taye Diggs has been in a host of other classics as well. He's been a consistent face we've seen through the years and I never get sick of seeing him. Also, if you want to check him out in something more current, check out All American on Netflix, but be prepared to binge!

Omari Hardwick, 50 (Married)

Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Uninterrupted, LLCOmari Hardwick, 50 (Married)

Omari Hardwick. What can we say about that man who melted us all between his roles as the unhappily married man whose heart was elsewhere in Power and Being Mary Jane? It was something we forgave him for, though (at times) with one look into those soulful brown eyes and at those six-pack abs. The actor/poet definitely had to make our list.

Rick Fox, 55 (Divorced)

Photo by Jim Spellman/Getty ImagesRick Fox, 55 (Divorced)

His life is proof that some people can be a jack of all trades. I mean, Rick Fox has conquered basketball, acting, business, and so much more. The fact that he has the looks, too, almost seems unfair.

Larenz Tate, 49 (Married)

Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for STARZLarenz Tate, 49 (Married)

I had to think long and hard about adding Mr. Larenz Tate to the list. Not because of his looks, obviously, but because this is supposed to be an ode to aging, and he literally still looks the same way he did when he was "the blues in our left thigh, trying to be the funk in our right."

Whatever skincare routine or diet he's on, I gotta try it! By the way, if you didn't get that quote, do yourself a favor and watchLove Jones, like today.

Bonus: Denzel Washington, 69 (Married)

Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImageBonus: Denzel Washington, 69 (Married) 

Denzel Washington is the OG of the Hollywood heartthrobs, and his legendary career is living proof of it. At almost 70 years old, the Gladiator star continues to put the young boys to shame with his smooth ways.

Featured image by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for ESSENCE