I think I know where you’re coming from – thanks for asking this question. I am 27 and am frequently told I look like I’m 15 or 16. People will say, “But you look like you’re only a little kid!” in this surprised, marveling tone when they learn my actual age, like they think they’re saying something enormously clever or revealing, instead of being utterly obvious and rude. It makes me want to remark loudly on how old or out of shape they look. But I always just grit my teeth and joke it off by saying something like Dear me, and here I am thinking I can’t look a day over 13. I think that being a tomboy, as janbb points out, unfortunately does not help. Perception of apparent age is thoroughly tied up with perception of exhibited sexuality.
@wundayatta There are some objective ways to asses looks. For example, wrinkles are commonly thought to indicate age – or, if on the face, worry or laughter. In my case, I think my apple cheeks, extremely short stature and slight build, and smooth, fair skin are what make me look quite young at a glance.
@burntbonez Yeah, I’m sure it’ll be awesome when I’m 50. In fact, my mom assures me it’ll be so. But it’s not such a helpful thing to hear when I’m in my mid-20s and am very tired of not being taken seriously due to things I can’t control about my appearance. Sorry for the vitriol; I just hear that line a LOT.
@SadieMartinPaul Great suggestion, thank you. I’ll check those out and compare the styles.