To be upset that someone thought I was 16 years old when I'm in my late 20s

[bluebirdsz]

I'm 28 and today I was at the hairdressers and the hair stylist asked me how old I was, when I said I was 28 she looked surprised and said she guessed I was 16 or 17. She then went onto say she expected me to be a lot younger as I'm very quiet and shy.

It's made me feel quite down to be honest. I know I'm quiet and shy but it's making me worry that my colleagues and clients don't/won't take me seriously. I don't think I look 16/17, but I admit I can come across as somewhat innocent and naive but I'm not sure how to change that

Well, to be mistaken as a teenager at 40 or so surely can't be much of a disadvantage? Imagine wearing hotpants and a crop top with no cellulite or stretch marks on view!
Imagine being able to join in at a skate park with no judgement! Fun.

Yes my grandad is often mistaken for being a lot younger! When I was a child people often thought he was my dad when I was out with my grandparents and now in his 80s he's regularly mistaken for being in his 60s. He's delighted! I have to say, I'm pretty annoyed he hasn't passed on his youthful genes. He's also tall, slim and blonde and didn't pass those on either. Rude!

@PeloAddict and @x2boys, I think you're right about the very elderly. If you keep fit and well you can be quite sprightly into your 90s and certainly can look as good as you did some years younger.
Middle aged and mistaken for teens?
A teacher being mistaken for a yr8?
Quite different to passing for 70 when you're 85.

Right yeah, I'm hypermobile and stretch mark free somehow. I'm covered in scars, stretch marks and bruises but good for you getting your troll hunting on 👍

Oh dear. Don't get upset. I'm glad things have improved for you but I'm sure, like others on here, you still look very youthful indeed.

Hey, @SheSheldonesqueTheBstard , where were you offered the silver discount? I may try my luck! 😉

Not at all. I'm glad you're stretch mark free, although I'm sorry to hear that you're scarred and bruised. I think hypermobility can be problematic as well as occasionally beneficial. Maybe a mixed blessing?

@compromisedrambaldifluid - I've just looked it up, and seen that for some it's a disability, so I hope that's not you.
For me it meant that I was a good gymnast in early years, although not for some time!

Hello maireas ☺️

Twas Iceland. Mam fancied their frozen cream donuts. I’m now desperately hoping that their discount isn’t for 65 and over….

And you are right, I should have just accepted gracefully instead of trying to persuade her that I’ve a few years to go - even if my face tells lies 🥴

It was your wisdom, I'm sure!
Although I know how you identify with Catherine Tate's Nan.....😘

@Maireas it is disabling for me, and I said I am covered in stretch marks 😂

So yes, my face looks young while I feel ancient. Some people don't develop hypermobility syndrome, so if you are hypermobile in most of your joints and didn't you were luckier than me.

Looking young doesn't exactly help when most people combine it with not needing any assistance either. So no, it's not something I'm overly fond of.

have sent you a pm

People do often think I'm younger than I am (I'm 42). I think this is because I have piercings, tattoos, bright hair, dress like I did when I was younger & act quite immaturely! I also have freckles, big eyes and fat cheeks.

My skin isn't bad but I think it's a combination of all of these factors. If I changed my style tomorrow, people would code me as being older.

She almost certainly thought you look older and was trying to flatter you.

I was ID'd once at 36 once. Absurd.

It is annoying I agree and I'd wonder what vibes i was giving off. For sure if is hard to be treated like the professional woman you are if people reckon you are as malleable and dumb as a 16 year old. You need to channel your inner tiger.

This isn't just exclusive to doctors... I remember as a newly qualified nurse (which is also a degree-educated healthcare profession, by the way) getting asked by patients "are you old enough to be a nurse?" and also "can you find me a nurse?"

You’ll be thankful later! I always looked way younger than my age. I’m 61 now and no one believes it. It’s good too because my dh is 8 years younger than me and people think I’m his age.