If you're anything like me, you may have had an encounter or two (or twenty) where you've had to convince a shocked stranger that no, you aren't an eighth grader. Whether it be a bouncer or a new acquaintance, the struggle is real whenever you hear those four cringe-worthy words: "how old are you?" You always know it will be followed by an explanation of how your baby face is deceiving and despite the skeptical looks you are receiving, you are indeed above legal age to vote in an election. Here are fifteen things you'll only understand if, like me, you look much younger than you actually are:
1. Constantly getting your age mistaken.
No, I'm not fifteen. Yes, I know I don't look my age. No, I'm not lying about how old I am.
2. The shocked looks you receive when you tell someone how old you are.
The wide-eyed, melodramatic gasp followed by a shocked "really?!" when I tell you my actual age does not make this situation any better for either of us. In fact, I officially hate you.
3. Getting asked what grade you're going into.
And getting surprised replies when you tell them you're in college.
4. Being told "when you're 50 you'll appreciate it!"
This is not comforting. It may be true eventually but right now I'm in my 20's and I do not appreciate being mistaken for a middle schooler.
5. Always being called "cute."
Never sexy. Or beautiful. Or even pretty. Just "cute."
6. Getting asked if you're a friend's younger sibling.
No, actually I'm not. We're not related. And we're the same age.
7. Being referred to as "the baby."
So. Many. Humiliating. Nicknames.
8. Not being taken seriously.
I may look like I'm twelve but I am capable of having a serious, intellectual conversation, dammit.
9. Getting your cheeks pinched.
This is so degrading. Not to mention you will probably be slapped in about 0.2 seconds if you try this.
10. "Are you old enough to work here?"
No, I'm just hanging out here with a name tag on for fun.
11. Having to convince flight attendants that you are not an unaccompanied minor.
I do not need help finding my gate. Or my seat. Or baggage claim. Please leave me alone.
12. Getting ID'd for everything.
And having to accept the fact that this is just something that will happen until you're 80.
13. The excessive jokes about how young you look.
Oh wow, that joke about how I should order off of the kids' menu was really funny. I haven't heard that one 8,000 times before.
14. Receiving appalled looks whenever you do something even slightly unruly.
Yes, I can drop the F-bomb when I'm angry just like everyone else. Get over it.
15. Accepting that you will never look your age.
It will always be a constant struggle and you've come to terms with it. But hey, at least you won't get wrinkly as fast as everyone else.
