I know I’m not the only one with this problem. You are constantly being told that you don’t look old enough to be in college, old enough to legally drink, or old enough to make huge life decisions. Here are some struggles you can relate to:
1. You have to literally take your ID with you everywhere you go.
“Can I see your ID?” is such a common question that you already have your ID ready to go when you even think about purchasing a margarita. And sadly, you still get nervous that someone is going to think it is a fake.
2. You feel like older adults never take you seriously.
It’s pretty common to be spoken to like a child even when you know what you are talking about. You have learned to bite your tongue in these situations.
3. You are constantly being described as “cute.”
Forget trying to be sexy. Even wearing your skimpiest outfit you still look like a “cute” girl playing dress up.
4. Your family constantly jokes about asking you to pretend you are 12 so you can get the youth discount at the movie theater or restaurant.
“You could pass for 12 and save us a couple bucks.” Nope, not funny grandpa.
5. You get hit on in public by high school boys.
Not only are you super offended that you look like you are still in high school, but you feel like it is highly inappropriate for them to even be talking to you.
6. You are constantly being told that you will appreciate looking young 10 years from now.
Thanks, waiter, I have never heard that one before. I’m so flattered.
7. People ask you how old you are, and they proceed to tell you that you’re lying.
Then they start interrogating you with questions like “what year were you born?” or “when did you graduate high school?” I don’t have time for this.
8. You have to wear makeup all the time in public or people will seriously mistake you for a child.
Forget being taken seriously if you forgot to put on makeup this morning.
9. When one person actually guesses your correct age and you practically cry with tears of happiness and repeatedly thank them.
There is seriously an overwhelming feeling of pure joy when someone actually thinks you are your real age. You take a memo of exactly what you are wearing and how you look so you can hopefully continue to look your “real” age in the future.
10. Younger people often call you “sweetie” or “hun” when they are ringing you up at the register or serving you meals.
You probably just graduated high school and you are seriously going to call me that? You shouldn’t even call someone that unless you’re like 60 years old. Knock it off.
No matter how frustrated you might get, it is great to remember that looking young means you are healthy and full of life. Embrace your baby face and appreciate those student discounts for the next 10 years. Here’s to hoping the bouncer at the bar doesn’t take 10 minutes checking the validity of your ID in front of a line full of people!