Everything you know if you look young for your age

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Everything you know if you look young for your age

‘I’m gonna need to see some I.D.’

Despite the fact that I am closing in on 23 years old, I could still probably pass for a high school student if I made a meme Instagram account and started wearing a lot of Stussy.

My youthful appearance can be a gift or a curse depending on the scenario. it's great when I'm upset in the airport, but kind of sucks when I want to get taken seriously in the workplace.

As someone with a bit of a baby face, I get the same comments on a pretty regular basis, and I know I'm not alone. Here are four common scenarios that everyone who looks younger than they actually are has doubtlessly experienced:

You're always hearing how good you're gonna look when you're older

Standing tall with women who speak out against mistreatment in ANY industry!

A post shared by Halle Berry (@halleberry) on Oct 13, 2017 at 2:02pm PDT

Sure, it might be annoying to look like a tween now, but wait until you're older, right? You've heard this time and again from all of your aunts, the woman who cuts your hair, and your friends who actually have boobs, but it's hollow comfort.

If things go my way, I'm not gonna be trying to hook daddies in when I'm looking 30 in my mid-40s. Plus, I'm incredibly unhealthy, so there's no guarantee that I'll age like Helen Mirren with a diet and sleep schedule like mine.

You don't always get taken seriously

Whether you're talking about politics over Thanksgiving dinner or trying to propose an idea during a weekly conference call, your baby face can give people an easy excuse to dismiss your opinions.

Obviously, this is bullshit. Just because I'm cute doesn't mean I don't understand current events, Uncle Dan!

Certain trends become jailbait-chic on you

Rainbow splatter Mischief tee, now available at @hottopic! #linkinbio #rainbowmischief #hottopic #lisafrank

A post shared by Lisa Frank (@lisa_frank) on Oct 15, 2017 at 5:00pm PDT

I have fond memories of sticking rainbow leopard stickers on all of my folders when I was in elementary school, but despite the fact that a Lisa Frank revival is in full swing at the moment, I am sadly unable to participate.

I am three brightly colored barrettes and a pair of bobby socks away from looking like the decoy on To Catch a Predator.

You can get away with being a little out of it

Here's an advantage: when you look like you're young, you can get away with acting young, which means that you might get looked on more favorably when you're being too loud in public or when you get overwhelmed at IKEA.

This is especially key in a public transit scenario. I've gotten away with being on the wrong train more times than I'm comfortable admitting because when I'm not wearing makeup I look like I still go to summer camp.

You always get carded

Whether you're seeing an R-rated movie or trying to get into an airport bar, if you look young then you can expect to be carded as soon as you step foot in the venue.

If, like me, you're of legal age to drink and see Blade Runner: 2049 then this is annoying, but not that big of a deal. If you're under 21, however, then make sure your fake I.D. scans because you're going to need it.

The juniors section is a low-key goldmine

If the jeans fit, they fit. That's all I gotta say.

It's actually a little creepy when older people hit on you

I'll admit it: I have told men in bars that I am 14 to get them the fuck away from me. I pray that it was less of a believable lie and more of a clear "leave me alone forever," but regardless it definitely works every time.

When a man of a certain age pays attention to me, it's definitely a little suspicious. Like, maaaaybe I'm wise beyond my years but since I still laugh at jokes where "69" is the punchline, I don't think that's the case.

At the end of the day, being young is fleeting so it's probably best to enjoy it while it lasts, even if it lasts a little bit longer than you want it to.

@k80way