What does it mean when someone acts older then they are?

[oldformyage]

I am 23 and was told today that I act more like someone who is 43. What does that even mean?

What was the context?

Well the 43 thing is a bit random but I'd assume they mean you appear sensible?

Boring?
Prefer staying in to going out?
Very Mature?

Would need the context

I guess one expects a 23 year old to be carefree, not too stressed and out partying and dating. And a 43 year old to be more tired, worried about their mortgage, busy with kids and/or aging parents.
So carefree youth vs tired and with the weight of the world on their shoulders.

I’m 43, I don’t act any differently from when I was 22 🤷🏻‍♀️

It’s you again!

I don’t know but next time someone says it, sing Prince. Loud and with feeling.

🎤 Women, not girls, rule my world
I said they rule my world
Act your age, mama (not your shoe size)
Not your shoe size
Maybe we could do the twirl
You don't have to watch Dynasty
To have an attitude, uh
You just leave it all up to me
My love will be your food
Yeah🎤

Possibly you're less easygoing or fun-loving than other 23 year olds, or perhaps seem to have less energy. Just comparing myself at those two ages!

@Sleeveen No idea, it was said really out of the blue by my dad's cousin. I was at a family meal with my dad's side of the family and was just chatting about what I have been up to since finishing university. It was said with quite a rude undertone to it so I think it was meant as an insult. I was the youngest there by nearly 30 years as I don't have any cousins on that side of the family.

@Anthilda Maybe. The way it was said was like an insult though. I have never warmed to the woman who said it (my dad's cousin who I see a handful of times a year) as she has always been quite snidey to me. My Mum sees that too in the way she acts towards me and speaks about me. She will say something pretty innocuous but it will end up being like a backhanded compliment. Like when I graduated from university with a first she couldn't just congratulate me, she had to add and stress that I must have worked so hard and studied all day everyday and not had a social life at all and I ended up feeling quite embarrassed.

@Doyouavocado @AhoyMrBeaver Yeah it was probably her way of saying I am boring. I do prefer staying in and not a massive fan of drinking and going out. Maybe I am too serious. I think it has hit a nerve and made me view myself in a different light and want to improve.

@Pipandmum Maybe. I guess I do feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders as I am quite an anxious person. I also feel like I have had to act like an adult from the age of around 12.

@redcherryred What do you mean by me again?

She sounds like a nasty piece of work. Don't let her make you doubt yourself. You are who you are and you don't need to tick boxes for your age range.

If you feel you need to get out of your comfort zone, by all means push yourself to do so. But for yourself, not anyone else.

Dont let her get inside your head. If you're sensible then so what, nothing wrong with that. If you're not keen on drinking that doesnt mean you're serious. Anxiety tends to ease when you avoid toxic people, so next time, avoid.