AIBU to ask if you lie about your age

[ShakyMilk]

AIBU to ask if you lie about your age ... and if so why? I always wonder how many people actually do.

That is a real shame Laurie

I like telling people what age I am mainly because they're mostly shocked and think I'm much younger. Most people think I'm between 19 and 23 when in actual fact I'm 10 years older! Was a pain when I was 16/17 trying to get into pubs but now I'm glad!

No, except as a teenager to get a child price menu once. I hate the expectation for women to look young and glam. I'd probably look about average for my age if I made an effort, but since I don't wear make up and am generally slummy I look older. I don't care, there's nothing to be ashamed about being any age, it's not an achievement or a failure, just a fact that someone has survived x number of years.

I don't have to lie about my age, I don't talk about it and I don't ask other people their age. If they tell me, fine, but I don't lie awake wondering.

No, I don't. But if I am asked in a context where it is absolutely none of somebody's business, then I won't tell them.
I remember running a training course some years ago, and for some reason one of the participants was hell-bent on knowing what age I was. No idea why. But no matter how many times she tried to twist and turn the question, she got absolutely nowhere with me.

I used to. When I first turned 30 I hated it and told people I was 29 for about 2 years. I am resigned to it now.

Like others I lied when I was younger to get into clubs.

Since then, it hasn't crossed my mind to. It hasn't crossed my mind that other people might lie about their ages. It has been an eye opener to read that people actually do.

...al the time...i have 3 different ages..as my (former presumed) date of birth made me too old.. LOL 😂

I did when I began working post-graduating.

I got into a fairly senior role within a few years so would give a noncommittal "30s" when asked. I didn't have the confidence when in my early to mid 20s to give an honest answer.

Like the threads on MN where young women say " oh I want to have all my kids before I'm 30. Because otherwise I'll be 40 when my kids are in high school and I'm be too tired and old to do thing with them

To be fair, that's a pretty good description of me once I hit 40 😆
I wanted to have all my children before 35, didn't quite make it, but I don't see a problem with planning like that. We want(ed) to be able to retire early and head off around the world unencumbered by children.

No I look every day of my 46 years so don't fib about it lol

Yes.
I look younger than my 41 years would imply and the disbelief that my actual age brings out in people is incredibly tiresome.
I mean why the hell would I tell you I'm 41 if I was in fact 33 like you think!
So currently I tell people I'm 35. Strangers seem satisfied with that and only try and reduce it a further couple of years.

I once physically proved I was 40. I had my passport as was in an airport. Still they didn't fucking believe me and insisted it had to be an error!

I don't see why people feel ashamed of their age. After all the alternative is dying and never reaching that age! It doesn't mean anything really. We all know old young people and young old people.

Not me. I am quite happy with whatever age I am. In fact I am happier than when I was younger.
But I know a lady who has gone nearly ten years back in time.

All the time, but I'm an actress so I have to for castings, especially since I look much younger.

I've never done this however I have considered it before. I'm 25 (26 in four days!) however I look younger and most people think I'm around 18-20. Sometimes I get tempted to tell people I'm actually only 12 just to see how many people believe me

Argh, this! I don't lie but people think I am lying!

I'm a doctor in a hospital. I look really young- my mum is the same, 60 and doesn't look a day over 40. I love this in real life, but at work it's a nightmare. I am 34 and have been training to be and working as a doctor in various guises since I was 17, with about 18mo off for ML total. I always introduce myself with full name and correct job title.

"Are you sure you're the consultant?"
"How long have you been here? I bet you're new, eh"
"Are you the work experience student?"
"Are you REALLY qualified to do that?"
"When will I see someone more senior?"

Usually a gentle smile and "Oh I've been a consultant here for about four years but I've worked in [health board] for twelve. Actually I am the most senior person here" shushes them but it still gets me down. I dress extremely conservatively and am sure that I don't behave like a 20 year old!

If I get asked my age directly I usually answer with "Old enough to have two children in primary school" which makes them start doing maths and get distracted.

Worst is when I'm with a male junior doctor. Patients will often ignore me and speak to them; which often makes them feel very uncomfortable.

On the plus side, when I'm in a hoodie and jeans I can still get a half on the bus

No. I would rather people thought I looked good for my real age than bad for a younger one!