At 22 years old, I’m routinely mistaken for being 16, and getting ‘double ID’d’ is just par for the course. In between all of the ‘omg you’ll look so young when you’re X age’ or ‘you’re so luckyyyyyy’ outbursts from pretty much everyone – which yes, I shall concede these are perks I very much look forward to – there are some real actual troubles those of us who are perpetually young looking will understand all too well.
The frustration is real.
I think the worst thing, or at least for me it’s the worst thing, is that no one really takes me seriously? I managed my first club night this week at one of the busiest times of the year in my working circle, and it was pretty damn successful if I do say so myself. However, it took a while for the venue staff I was in charge of to take me seriously, and actually understand that 1) yes I know what I’m doing and 2) I’m not a pushover, when I ask you to do something I expect it to be done. Not sure why looking young automatically equates to ‘being incompetent’ – or that people think I’m going to throw a tantrum over talking things out civilly like adults? Throw me a bone here, the assumptions are kind of offensive.
Asking my age then proceeding to hit on me always leaves me feeling a bit weird. Like, ok yeah you wanted to make sure you weren’t dicing with the law, but if it’s a place I had to be ID’d to get in to, assume that I’m older than 18 plz k thanks. ‘Wow you look so much younger’ generally translates to ‘wow you don’t look legal’ and that’s all sorts of weird to me. Bar staff who ask to check I’m over 18 and then proceed to pour me all the doubles when I know for a fact that cocktail does not require them… you can sort of stay. Ish. Still weird. I know you’re just doing your job, but still weird.
Being told I shouldn’t be all over the facial creams/eye creams/sun cream because ‘I have nothing to worry about’ is another pet peeve. I like taking care of my skin, and I burn so easily that suncream is always, always a must.
I’m mistaken for a fresher so often now that it’s become a sort of running joke in some of my friendship circles. It’s funny, sure, but on nights out it’s weird af. Add that to my ‘resting lost face’ and the automatic assumption is I’m a poor baby fresher fumbling around campus, when in reality I’m an overtired final year and why are you in my library??
Constantly being asked by people who come to the door if my parents are in. Nope, no, it’s just me. Don’t live with the ‘rents anymore. Also this is quite obviously student accommodation??? I get this a lot on the phone too, which makes for awkward conversations and some hang-ups from people who don’t actually believe me.
Being ID’d on a bad day for paracetamol never helps.
In general though, I do appreciate the fact I can mess with people regarding my age. It’s fun and I’m a lil’ bit evil, but having these kind of things repeat multiple times in a day, or being told that I don’t look old enough to do a job I’m being paid for can be kinda hurtful sometimes. Especially if I’m supposed to be making sure a room full of people stay safe and happy…
So, do you guys agree or disagree? Are there any troubles I’ve missed – or what’s been your worst experience?
♥
I seriously cannot relate to this enough. dearvictoria.co.uk xo
Awh yeah I'm glad! 😀
I HEAR YA. I TOTALLY FEEL YA!I get IDed at MOVIE THEATRES. WHAT?!?!? ALL THE TIME! It is so frustrating. Especially when I'm already running late for the movie/have been in line for a long time.x Carina / Running White Horses
Omggggg noooooooooooooooo. I think the movie theatre is the only place I haven't actually been ID'd… I think they just assume that if I'm with a group of people that clearly look over 21 that I must be too :')We'll see how deadpool goes though :')x
I'm 31 and I get mistaken for 22-25. I've had discussions with people before about marriage/children etc where it's deemed that "I'm too young" to make that decision, until they realise I'm in my 30's then suddenly it's okay!! Like, what? xHolly ∣ Closingwinter
I can relate to this SO MUCH. A co-worker didn't realise I will be 25 this year. She thought I was 18/19. Which is okay…but I got told I looked that age when I was like, 22/23 and in my first year of uni.I don't want to be a baby face! I want to look nearer to my age damn it :(Meg | A Little Twist Of…
I feel the frustration girl. I feel the need to wear make-up to look older but I've given up caring hahaLove Vicki | victoriajanex.co.uk
I can totally relate!!! I swear people still think I'm like 15!! Haha it's the worst! But I guess we won't complain when we're older? LOLxx, ALYSSA-MAY.COM
I guess we won't (or we will. only time will tell!) xo
I can totally relate. I am turning 22 and so many people think I look 16. Which yes, I know I will enjoy it when I am older, but it's kind of annoying getting the "you look 16" or "I bet you get told all the time that you look young". I am trying to learn to roll with it, but it would be nice to look my age at times and it gets a bit annoying hearing the same thing constantly. Plus, I am expecting, so I'm not looking forward to all the comments and looks I will be getting once my girl arrives. I guess I will just have to learn to roll with it. I'm sure in a few years time we will love hearing that we look younger. Sarah's Abode -xx
I used to have this problem a lot. Up until about a year ago when I turned 25. For some reason then, it just stopped. Guess I look my age now! *Sigh* I once got ID'D for a 15 film and I was 22….that was so embarrassing. And being out without ID, ya know, because you're 22/23 and being asked for ID. That is so frustrating. So I feel your pain, although it does seem to have stopped for me now! x http://www.aimeeraindropwrites.co.uk x
I'm 23 and still manage to get on the bus for a child's fare! Being double ID'd at the bar is so frustrating, especially when you've put your things in the cloak room thinking you won't need your ID again -.-. I completely understand how frustrating it can be, especially as it's a constant repeat of the same "you look younger" "you'll be thankful when youre older" comments usually! xxx
This is just me allover! I'm the supervisor of a busy pub and new customers often mistake me for a 16 year old glass collector! Don't mind being let on the train with a child's fare every now and again though… xAlways, Alice
I was ID'd to buy petrol once…Let me put this into context: I was 22. You have to be 16 to buy petrol, you have to be 17 or over to drive and the woman SAW me drive my car into the petrol station, without anyone else in the car, with no L plates and still assumed I was too young to fill it up. LJLVA Fashion & Lifestyle Blog
FUNNY STORY. I was once stopped by a community support officer on my way to work in my gap year because they would not believe I wasn't skipping school. They escorted me to my workplace to ask my manager if I was lying or not. The rest of the staff were in hysterics. WHAT ARE OUR LIVES?????????xo
I am so glad I found this post, I didn't know how many people I could relate to in the comment section! I definitely feel your pain on not being taken seriously. Why can't you see me as a confident woman just because I'm short?
😀 Apparently short is just not what leaders are. I'm sure Napoleon would beg to differ, or any tiny, powerful leader. WE'RE HEREEEEEEE. TAKE US SERIOUSLY. xo
I get it. What I don't get is why people give you a hard time for wanting to take care of your skin and preserve your youthful appearance? Keep it up girl and if you're lucky you'll look 30 when you're 50. 🙂 Ericawww.pumpsandpushups.com
I guess because my skin has excellent elasticity i don't need to be hogging all the good stuff. Logic eyyy. Thank you so much though :3xo
Oh totally agree with these points. I got asked how old I was on a bus a couple of weeks ago. When I said 23, the driver said "Oh, we have a new concessions ticket out – thought you could get it". I was sad at first because that's usually under 16s, but then I discovered it was for under 19s… Still, 4 years too old haha! I don't think I've had any really bad experiences. Keep getting asked if I'm at college or university, and have to say well actually I graduated last year – and even that was a year late. Actually, the worst thing is that my 19 year old brother looks older than me, and when we've gone somewhere together people have assumed he's my boyfriend… argh. Not good!
Preach girl preach. This is such a struggle for me too. So many of my mom's friends think I'm 14 or 16 when I'm turning 22, ugh. Well I mean, it'll be great for us when we get old!xxKarawww.kay-ng.blogspot.com
I got ID'd for bonjela and nail varnish remover once. I also got ID'd for a 15 DVD and my 15 year old brother didn't. Gotta love a baby faceBeth xMermaid in Disguise