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Original poster

Why do people think I’m older than I am?

32 replies

Rizzla · 25/09/2024 14:35

And how do I not let it bother me?

Without posting a picture of myself(!) I will try and give some context.

I’m 29 but for last 5-6 years I’ve noticed that in certain contexts, mainly at work and in NCT class, people have assumed I’m older, maybe early 30s. I don’t have grey hair or wrinkles and I enjoy clothes/makeup/nice hair and following trends.

I don’t have a round baby face - my face is quite slim and on the longer side so maybe this contributes.

i also got married and had a baby in my twenties so when I talk about my husband and my son I think this makes me seem older.

BUT I can’t shake the fact I probably do look older than my years but I can’t pinpoint what it is or do anything about it. I’m bothered that it bothers me, but I also know how short your twenties are and to be assumed to be in my 30s already is disappointing!!

what do you think makes someone seem older, apart from looks? Thanks

OP posts:
Alicana · 25/09/2024 14:44

I could not tell the difference between someone late teen and early 20s, late 20s and early 30s, late 30s and early 40s, etc.

+/- 5yrs either side is pretty difficult to pinpoint in my opinion. Also, probably not of comfort to you, but a lot of Mumsnet posters seem to think they look 10-20yrs younger, so it’s only fair that some people look older to balance it out!!

LeavingCentral · 25/09/2024 14:43

People in their early thirties generally don’t have grey hair or wrinkles, either. A 32 year old and a 29 year old look pretty much the same. Nothing dramatic happens when you turn 30.

You’re overthinking this.

Wimberry · 25/09/2024 14:43

I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a 29 year old and a 33 year old.

People are likely to assume you're a bit older if you have a husband and kids because the typical age to have children has risen a lot.

Katielovesteatime · 25/09/2024 14:43

So they think you’re 2 or 3 years older than you are? Does it matter? It’s almost impossible to pinpoint someone’s exact age!

FaiIureToLunch · 25/09/2024 14:41

You’ll be grateful for the long face when everybody else is getting jowls

MrTwatchester · 25/09/2024 14:40

It probably is the husband and kids more than anything else, but you will probably find that having a long, slim face comes into its own as you get older.

I am the same and looked older than I was throughout my teens and twenties, when so many other girls were baby-faced. Now I'm in my forties, I look younger than I am by a good five years.

If you're mature-looking from a young age, you age better.

MeMyCatsAndI · 25/09/2024 14:39

Your 29... you nearly are in your 30s?

Dont let it bother you.