Guest blogger, Babynames.com's Jennifer Moss, on the blessing and curse of not appearing her age.
OK, I know it's supposed to be a blessing that I look 20 years younger than I am, but just this past week I was carded for buying.... COUGH MEDICINE!
I mean, REALLY? Cough medicine? In exactly one month I'll be turning 45 years old. Yes, folks, I was born during the Kennedy administration, and for once, I'd like to be respected for my experience, age and maturity.
Other things that have happened to me in the past year:
* A mother dropped her daughter off at our house for a sleepover with my daughter. I introduced myself to her at the door and she said to me "Is there an adult home?"
| * I was carded when buying a ticket to an R-Rated movie. THAT'S 17!! I KNOW I must look older than that. At least 25. PLEASE! * A Body Shop employee referred to my daughter as "your friend over there," and when I said, "Oh you mean my daughter?" she looked at me as though she saw a ghost. * When I bought a bottle of wine and got carded, the lady thought it was so funny that |
My friends and family say "Wah, wah, qwitcher bitchin'.. some women would give anything to have your problem!" Or other meaner words to that effect. But I put a lot of EFFORT and TIME into being 45 and although I'm not a fan of grey hair and wrinkles—I'll fight them any way I can—I think I deserve the recognition that comes with age.
I'll post again about this in 10 years. Hopefully by then I'll at least look 30.
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filed under: my self
Email10 comments so far | Post a comment now >>
It is a good problem to have, but I bet you’d prefer that people compliment you after discovery of your real age instead of acting like it’s some kind of freak show. You look amazing! Please share your beauty secrets with us!
- Jessie Smith
Before I had my son, people would always mistaken me for a teenager. But 2 years later, I rarely get carded anymore and no one seems shocked when they find out I’m almost 33. I think I look like I’m in my late 20’s, but those wrinkles and middle-age spread are creeping up on me.
- Nicole J.
I too have this problem. As a high school teacher, it poses some unique problems. At parent’s night last year, while I was pregnant with my son, a parent said to me, “you can’t be old enough to be pregnant”. Ha! Didn’t know there was an age restriction on pregnancy, but thanks I’m 30.
- Tara Bernier
I feel for you! I have the same “problem”. I am glad that I don’t look my age most of the time, but it is really hard in the workplace. I work with girls who are half my age and treat me like just another teenager. They don’t seem to show me the same respect that they show other women my age. And the reaction I get when people who are younger than me find out my age is like, “Well why don’t I look like that”. Or some other snooty remark and then they pretty much avoid me like the plague. When I take my 16 year and my 13 year old to the Dr. they usually ask me f I am their sister. One of these days, I just might say yes. I guess it doesn’t help that my 13 year old is 6’ 2”(yes that is correct)and my 16 year old is 6’ 1”. They are tall boys which makes me look tiny. I have to admit that it is a blessing because I can still shop in the Jr. dept., but I only do it because I get treated so poorly when I try to shop in the women’s dept. So, I know what you are going through and I can just say “ignore the mean people and accept the compliments”. At some point, I am sure it will pass and I am going to enjoy it while it lasts. Especially when I can get into a play at the student price and my sister, who is only 5 years older, gets a senior discount. Be glad you are not in that category!
- Kathy W
Are you looking for sympathy? Stand in line….with all the skinny people
- Anonymous
Sorry, but you look like you belong in the 35-45 range, so you really shouldn’t complain. A simple “thanks” to these people should do it and I’m sure you’ll be able to move on, unscarred from this trauma. Gimme a break!
- Anonymous
You said: “But I put a lot of EFFORT and TIME into being 45 and although I’m not a fan of grey hair and wrinkles—I’ll fight them any way I can—I think I deserve the recognition that comes with age.” What “recognition” are you talking about when you’re “fighting” grey hair and wrinkles? Seems like you want desperately to be perceived as young and now you’re complaining about it? Be happy someone’s blind enough to say you’re 25 honey, because anyone with real eyes can tell you’re not. Your oh-so-obvious fishing for compliments is nauseating. Seriously.
- Yeah Right
I think she looks great. I have the opposite problem, everyone always assumes I’m at least five years older then I am. Since I’m only in my mid 20’s it isn’t a huge problem, I just hope it evens out later! Also, some of these replies have serious attitude problems. Sheesh.
- BirdsFly
i think she looks around 33. thats still 12 years off. pretty good either way. and some ppl give off a vibe, their walk, voice etc that might make them seem younger than they are. i’m 28 and most ppl think i’m 21. i not only look young but i act like it too. im also short. i think it’s only a problem when ppl treat u like ur a teenager, as if to say u know nothing. but that is also unfair to all the teenagers out there who may be more mature than a lot of 30 somethings.
- Amanda
Sorry, but I honestly think you look between 35-40. When I saw you’re photo, I never thought 20s or even early 30s. I’m going to base my opinion on your photo. You’re hairstyle is dated and looks rather stiff, you have dark cicles under your eyes, you have too much make up on, and you look slightly heavy adding years to your face. Also, the outfit you’re wearing is not doing any justice for you. I can only assume you convince yourself you look younger because of the way you dress (possibly shopping in the juniors section) but then again, I personally don’t know you. Maybe I would have to see you in person. I’m not trying to be a hater, but when you are outspoken about how hot you look, or how much younger you look blah, blah, blah, you’re an open target for criticism. No, I don’t hate you because you look younger. I hate the fact you claim to look younger and you really don’t.
- Susie
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