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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To get annoyed with looking very young.

245 replies

Astressedmumoftwo · 31/12/2021 18:11

First World problem I know but I'm nearly 30 with kids but look 17 no matter what I do, hair makeup etc.

Went for covid booster a few days ago and they asked my DOB then went "How old are you can I ask?" so I assume they were checking I was 18 plus despite the obvious 1900s birth date.

Anyways I feel like I'll never be taken seriously by other adults and I'm spoken down to a lot.

Anyone else relate?
Happy new year BTW x

OP posts:
Comedycook · 31/12/2021 18:13

Yes it's an absolute nightmare same as having too much money in the bank...

Original poster
Astressedmumoftwo · 31/12/2021 18:14

@Comedycook

Yes it's an absolute nightmare same as having too much money in the bank...
I've been called a slag and spat at because people assumed I had my son as a very young teenager. I'd happily look my age and not have suffered with that kind of stuff
OP posts:
WorraLiberty · 31/12/2021 18:15

Oh I know how you feel OP

It gets embarrassing when my friends are offered the wine list and I'm given an activity sheet and crayons.

AmberLynn1536 · 31/12/2021 18:16

Do you wear hoodies, leggings and wear your hair in a ponytail? This makes anyone look younger (until you get close up), if so your wardrobe may need tweaking a bit.

Original poster
Astressedmumoftwo · 31/12/2021 18:17

@AmberLynn1536

Do you wear hoodies, leggings and wear your hair in a ponytail? This makes anyone look younger (until you get close up), if so your wardrobe may need tweaking a bit.
No. I always dress in work wear / smart casual to try and offset it. Doesn't help
OP posts:
Cakepig · 31/12/2021 18:19

Yep. Patronised my whole adult life. It's really annoying having constant unsolicited comments on your appreance!!

nordica · 31/12/2021 18:20

As some of the comments already show, some people just don't get it but if you constantly experience it then it's incredibly frustrating. It's like never getting taken seriously. I'm nearly 40 and people assume I'm early 20s. Clothes, hair, make up and so on make very little difference when it's more down to my facial features and skin. I'm so grateful for the grey hairs that have started appearing!

ruthydoodles24f · 31/12/2021 18:21

I'm 37 and still have a bit of a baby face trust me when others around you are getting Botox and you are not you will be thankful 🥲
Also it will catch up with you fast so enjoy it while you can

TheSnowyOwl · 31/12/2021 18:22

I think it’s fairly standard to give your dob as id for something like a vaccination and your age could have been to determine which vaccine was most appropriate. Children are being vaccinated now and it’s the booking site that confirms eligibility, not the person checking you in at the vaccine site.

chiefcha · 31/12/2021 18:22

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AmberLynn1536 · 31/12/2021 18:23

If people are talking down to you, pull them up on it, it may be your overall demeanour rather than looking young, be more assertive and confident in yourself.

Breastfeedingworries · 31/12/2021 18:24

@Comedycook

Yes it's an absolute nightmare same as having too much money in the bank...
How is that helpful at all? Bog off!! Hate trolls.

Op yes it’s very frustrating, I can’t believe you were spat at that must have been terrible. I’ve got a friend who looks mega young, she’s older than me and gets I.D she looks the same age as her dad whose 15! She’s 35. She’s baby faced and has such clear skin, she’s always smoked and drank. Think it’s just her genes.

Just10moreminutesplease · 31/12/2021 18:24

I think you’re getting a hard time here OP. Looking very young can definitely have its drawbacks!

One of my friends looks like she could be a teenager and when we go to baby groups etc she often gets treated differently to the rest of us (patronising advice etc). Apparently she struggles to get taken seriously at work too.

I think the only thing you can do to change it is dress older.

SevenSteps · 31/12/2021 18:25

It is annoying for now but honestly, in ten years time you will be very grateful!

TheCanyon · 31/12/2021 18:25

I have the opposite problem, I'm 35 and people assume I'm my kids gran...

OGenkiDesuKa · 31/12/2021 18:26

Look, assholes on this thread as well as in real life! My husband and I BOTH can not buy alcohol without our ID’s. He looks like a tall spotty teenager and I look like a short chubby teenager. Husband is 35 and I’m 28!

mumsiedarlingrevolta · 31/12/2021 18:26

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Rockieroad · 31/12/2021 18:27

Those who are being sarcastic just don’t get it. Sorry to all those who are clearly sensitive about looking old, but surely you can use a little imagination.

I’m late 20s and no one believes me. It’s hard to be taken seriously at work and also get funny looks about being a mum. I’m sure when I’m older and like my aunts in their 50s who look young I’ll appreciate it, but right now I wish I could look my age.

I see polished, grown up looking women and just feel like a child. It’s not nice.

Allycott · 31/12/2021 18:27

@chiefcha

Oh no OP, that's awful. Are you teeny tiny as well?
Just be thankful you're not one of the ones that can make an M&S curry serve a family of six for a week! It might just tip you over the edgeBlush
NoNameHere12 · 31/12/2021 18:27

Can I ask your height?
I feel like this, but then again I’m the same height as my 11 year old son 🤨 (5ft)

Rockieroad · 31/12/2021 18:30

@OGenkiDesuKa

Look, assholes on this thread as well as in real life! My husband and I BOTH can not buy alcohol without our ID’s. He looks like a tall spotty teenager and I look like a short chubby teenager. Husband is 35 and I’m 28!
This sums it up perfectly for me. People think you are bragging about how young and stunning you are. Nooooo I look like an awkward teenager not a stunning Instagram model 😂🙈
TheCatWearsPrada · 31/12/2021 18:30

Nearly 30 and look 17? Who told you that?

Original poster
Astressedmumoftwo · 31/12/2021 18:32

@NoNameHere12

Can I ask your height? I feel like this, but then again I’m the same height as my 11 year old son 🤨 (5ft)
I'm tall with big boobs. I'm just incredibly baby faced and look "innocent" apparently.
OP posts:
NoNameHere12 · 31/12/2021 18:32

They don’t say you look 17, they treat you like a child! It’s not a compliment! 😡

nordica · 31/12/2021 18:34

@mumsiedarlingrevolta

My diamond shoes are too tight
But it's really not a compliment to be treated like a teenager when you are 30.

For anyone in any kind of a client or patient facing job it's also a problem when they think you must be a newly qualified 22 year old when you've actually been doing the role for 10+ years.