To not go to pub because I look young..

Just have your ID ready on the door and/or when you order your first drink at the bar. No one in your group will comment and if they do you just shrug and say you always get asked. You’re way overthinking this.

Do you think that you'll enjoy yourself once you're there? The people, the decor, the smells, music, drinks, food, general vibes?
If so then go. Worse case scenario they politely request ID and you quickly show it. I look my age or older and I'd be chuffed to be asked for ID. Remember it only means you could be under 25, not that they think you look 16!
If you just really don't like pubs in general make an excuse and stay home doing something you enjoy alone, or invite a mate round.

I guess you look 19 now.

people tell me I look too young to have adult children. I don't. They are being kind. It's what we do weirdly.

Seriously ????

Just have you ID out & hand it over before anybody asks then walk in nobody's asking you to make a scene

They have to challenge if you look under 25 so its not because they think you look under 18. And I highly doubt anyone thinks you look like a 16 year old

Make a joke of it like it doesn't bother you if you get asked like tell the barmaid they've made your day or how she should of gone to specsavers or go a bit early go get your self a drink hand the id over and get sat down before anyone else comes then no one has to know

I went to the cinema with my 29 year old daughter and was asked if I was aware the film wasn't suitable for children ....it happens...

Mumsnet really is a parallel universe inhabited by teeny tiny people who look younger than when they were a foetus
Utterly bizarre

Come on, grow up now. Take ID, simple.

Most places are "Challenge 25" these days. It's not about how you look, its about people covering their backs, most people that want ID dont even look at you, its just protocol.

I'm actually on my way to a party at a pub and just stopped off for my ID because some people can't tell if I'm 16 or 30.

I feel really self conscious about it but I think you shouldn't worry. Just go. It's a short moment if someone does ask for ID. Don't let it spoil your time.

Your friends will be incredibly envious if you get IDed - it’s not embarrassing at all! They know how old you are. I got IDed when I was out for drinks with colleagues once! It was fine.

It really sounds like your anxiety is ruling your life at the moment. Just take your ID and it will be fine.

Also remember staff are trained to "think 25" these days so they're thinking you could be under 25 not under 18

Take ID, seriously if you get IDd on a night out with a group of women in their 30s they'll all be jealous!
I used to get IDd way into my 30s too (buying glue for my toddler DD once!), I was embarrassed up to around 25 but then it used to make my day 😂

There's no way at 40 people think your a child. I've heard people say they look younger when they dont but i never say that i just let them believe. it's in our heads how young we look to other people you look older than how you think you do. Enjoy the pub OP.

Just bring ID and laugh it off. I‘m tiny and looked young well into my 20s, even got given half fare on the bus when I was 22. Go and have a great time.

OP I mean this kindly but stop taking yourself so seriously. You know how much you’re thinking about how you come across? Nobody notices as much as you think because they’ve got their own stuff to worry about. I do get it, and a few years back I was no stranger to turning a horrible shade of beetroot at even the thought of being the centre of attention, but the minute you decide to laugh at this stuff your life will become so much easier (and your kids will see your confidence and it’ll rub off on them). Wishing you all the best.

I get ID'd in certain shops sometimes, even if I'm with my kids( who they think are siblings). I do think wtf but it's better than them thinking I'm old I suppose.

Bring your ID and try to laugh it off. The school mums will probably think it's a compliment. I think unless it happens to you a lot people don't realise how negative it can feel.

I was asked for ID up until I was about 35. It seemed to stop after that. I’m 37 now and I miss it! Must have aged a lot in the last couple of years!

I still get asked for id and im 38 i love it! Take it as a compliment

Definitely go! Keep your ID in your hand or in your pocket so you can just whip it out and hand it over with little fuss, if anyone says anything just laugh along and say this always happens to me. Conversation should soon change and then it’s all back to normal.

Or maybe arrive 10 mins earlier so you can show ID and walk straight in. I really hope you try and hopefully the experience can improve how you feel towards this.

Did you correct the driver?

Oh right I guess I must have been imagining it then. More times than I can count.
But obviously you know better as you were there every time weren’t you?