Social Question

Val123's avatar

What are some incorrect assumptions people have made about you based on how you look?

Asked by Val123 (12734points) December 28th, 2009
43 responses
“Great Question” (4points)

I’ve been called beautiful (dead ringer for Farrah Fawcett they said. It was all I heard in the 70’s!) I’m also tall, 5’8” and have always had a really nice figure (at one point, BC….before chilluns…I was, literally, 36/24/36)

Well, I played volleyball in HS, and competitive co-ed ball several times a week for several years after. We’re talking some pretty damn serious ball, with some pretty damn serious monster guy dudes! Some had played pro beach.
When I was about 36 I had started a new job in an office, when word went around that they were looking to start an office volleyball team. I contacted the guy who was heading it up, and said I wanted to play.
He looks me up and down, in my dress, hose, high heels and long legs, and in a voice dripping with sarcasm said, “We’re looking for athletic women.”
I know I got steel in my eyes when I said, “I can hold my own.”

He grudgingly said OK….and at our first practice, within a few seconds, he understood clearly that I could kick his A$$ in a one on one game! My first serve was screamin’, 50 mph perfection. I turned and looked at him, with a challenge in my eyes—and his eyes got really big!! Gave me a really good feeling. And, of course, I was the only one who actually knew how to play.

It’s also been assumed I was a bimbo, not the sharpest tool in the shed, because of the way I looked…..which I always turned to my advantage. :)

What’s your story?

Topics: ,
Observing members: 0
Composing members: 0

Answers

gemiwing's avatar

I get this all the time because of health issues combined with large breasts.

So if you go by looks I’m a retarded bimbo hick who eats cupcakes the size of land masses.

It’s why I love the internet.

My friends say I’m beautiful so that’s something. I won’t be the first person you notice in the room, but I’ll be the one you think about later. (whether that’s because of something cool I said, or that I fell on my face because walking with a cane ain’t easy- that’s up for debate.)

OpryLeigh's avatar

The only incorrect assumption I can recall was when Spanish guy came up to me when I was at work (in England) and asked me where in Spain I was from. I had to politely tell him that I wasn’t, s far as I am aware, Spanish. Sorry if that’s not very exciting but it’s the only thing that really sticks in my mind.

Val123's avatar

@gemiwing LOL! Well, I will remember you!
@Leanne1986 What made him think you were Spanish??

DominicX's avatar

It’s also been assumed I was a bimbo, not the sharpest tool in the shed, because of the way I looked…..which I always turned to my advantage. :)

The fact that people even assume that based on looks makes me angry. >:(

A lot of the assumptions people make about me based on the way I look are correct or at least near correct. Let’s see: I’m blond, short, and skinny. (And in the past, I’ve been a lot shorter and skinnier. There is a very noticeable difference between me now and me at age 14). I’m sure people could assume I’m gay and they would be correct. They might also assume I’m weak or soft because of my size, that’s partly correct, but it’s not all correct. I can be wimpy and weak sometimes and I’m certainly “soft” in terms of my personality (I am a bit effeminate), but if they’ve ever seen me mountain bike, BMX, or skateboard, they’d take it back. Though I’ve certainly been more physically weak in the past. People also assume I’m nice, generally happy, and non-threatening. That is completely correct. :)

This is going to sound a little racist, but this has happened before, people at school have assumed I’m Jewish because of my nose. I don’t happen to be Jewish, though my dad does have Czech Jewish relatives.

Likeradar's avatar

I’m tall, and I don’t smile easily. I’m a perfectly happy person, but my neutral face looks a little angry and I don’t walk around smiling at stuff. I’ve been told a few times that I come off as a bitchy, overly serious ice princess.

OpryLeigh's avatar

@Val123 Dark eyes, dark hair, olive skin and I’m very little! I’m certainly not an English rose.

naivete's avatar

People always assume I’m in my 20’s. Everytime I ask why, it’s always something along the lines of: “It was in the way you carried yourself”. I always thought I just looked older.

Val123's avatar

@DominicX “The fact that people even assume that based on looks makes me angry. >:(” Came with the territory for women in the 70’s and into the 80’s. If you were female it automatically meant you weren’t smart, not as smart as men anyway, and if you were good looking to boot, it meant all you were really good for was to have sex with…

@Likeradar Ach! In repose, my mouth turns down a little too, and people have said the same thing to me! “What are you mad about??” “Nothing!” “Why are you frowning?” ACH! I can’t help what my lips do!

@naivete You must exude maturity! That’s a good thing!

gemiwing's avatar

I exude maturity. Unfortunately it’s starting to smell like prunes.

Simone_De_Beauvoir's avatar

People think I identify as a woman. I do not.

jonsblond's avatar

I think my long blond hair, quiet nature and what looks to be a constant frown on my face (I’ve got the same problem @Likeradar) gives many people the assumption that I’m stuck up and/or a snob. I’m just shy, I’m really a sweetheart when you get to know me. :)

ucme's avatar

I don’t know about assumptions but I get a lot of comparisons to the actor Jason Statham in terms of the way I look. Can’t see it myself. I’m far better looking.

Facade's avatar

I don’t recall any incorrect assumptions which were bad. People ask me where I’m from, assuming I’m from some exotic island lol. Nope, Virginia. I also get asked if I’m on tv or something. I wish! That’d actually be really cool.

Oh yea, People also think I do something extravagant to my hair or that I’m wearing a wig. It’s all me, and I love it =)

Jude's avatar

I’m 5’2” and weigh around 110 lbs. I look 10 years younger than my age (so, I’ve been told by many. No one believes me when I tell them my age). I’ve always looked younger than my actual age. In high school, when I was ready to graduate, I looked as though I was 14. So, at times, I wasn’t taken seriously.

Even though I am tiny and according to some, “delicate”, I’m strong, physically. Especially, my lower body. I’ve got “strong German legs” (according to my girlfriend :)). And, even though I can be quiet at times and always seem friendly; I’m feisty, as hell, and quiet aggressive (especially, in the boudoir). Again, the girlfriend loves this.

scotsbloke's avatar

When I was younger some folks used to think i was of italian descent, but I am’nt.
As I’ve had a beard for many years People also think I’m older than I am but that’s really about it. I’m such a bore, me!

naivete's avatar

@Val123 I think it’s a good thing. I’ve always gotten along with people in the 20’s. It’s hard finding like-minded people in highschool. Most of the time I storm around my school complaining about things. Not very attractive.

Haleth's avatar

@Leanne1986 That happens to me all the time. Not Spain per se, but where I live people will just come up to me and ask me things in Spanish. I’m glad I learned Spanish in high school, anyway. I can give directions and tell you what time it is like nobody’s business.

naivete's avatar

Everytime I walk into a new class at school, people actually think I’m the teacher or a substitute teacher.

YCLYHO's avatar

that i frequent a gym – wouldnt dreeeeeeam of it!

lovemypits86's avatar

i always got called barbie bc of my blond hair and being skinny with a big rack and i also got called a brat and a bitch and guys said that i was un aprochable for some reason but i’m not i’m strong minded and i want what i want it a certin way.

Val123's avatar

@naivete I always looked younger than I was. I got in trouble at a HS I was subbing at for being out in the hall when I should be in class! She thought I was a student. I was 35 at the time!
During this time I also got seriously carded at a liquor store. I asked the guy if I could substitute my DL for a picture of my grandson… :)

Ghost_in_the_system's avatar

People assume because I am more reticent in groups and around people I do not know, that I am upset or angry. Fact is, I am more of a watcher, trying to figure things out about people I am around before I engage very much.

DominicX's avatar

@Val123

I can’t believe I forgot to mention that. That’s the most obvious incorrect assumption people make about me! Everyone assumes I’m younger than I am. Sometimes just from looks, but being short and small doesn’t help much. When I was 16, I had a girl tell me I looked 12!

Not only that, but I also sound younger too…but my voice is done changing, I’m afraid. :P

Val123's avatar

@Ghost_in_the_system Me too! Maybe we’ll meet up at a party somewhere and just stare at each other for an hour before we say hi!

tinyfaery's avatar

I’m 35, but can pass for 25, sometimes younger. I am often treated like a kid. Very few people see me as a woman.

When I am dressed so that none of my tattoos show people often think I am very conservative and buttoned-down. When I’m wearing clothes that show my tattoos people assume I’m an uneducated, unemployed rebel/loser. I’m screwed either way.

People assume I’m straight because I’m not a stereotypical queer woman.

Ghost_in_the_system's avatar

@Val123 Given the description, I would come out on the better side of things, so I am game.

Val123's avatar

@tinyfaery That’s quite interesting!
@Ghost_in_the_system LOL! No, that was then, this is now! 15 years later!

Ghost_in_the_system's avatar

@Val123 Farrah held up well, so who says you didn’t?

Val123's avatar

@Ghost_in_the_system She’s DAID!!! Plus..she had the bucks for cosmetic surgery and stuff. I mean, I’m still attractive, but not in That Other Way. I don’t have boys in the Senior High hitting on me, and guys don’t stop and do double takes any more, and I’m glad! That always made me feel self conscious and uncomfortable.

ratboy's avatar

People assume I’m fat just because my belly overflows my belt by a few inches.

scotsbloke's avatar

@ratboy – me too, (not assume your fat, I mean they assume I’m, Oh dear, just shoot me now)

Cruiser's avatar

That I am younger than my actual age and a nice guy all the time.

tedibear's avatar

That I’m not going to be any fun in the boudoir. Just because I’m not attractive doesn’t mean I don’t have some tricks up my sleeve!

trailsillustrated's avatar

that I’m dumb and vain

aprilsimnel's avatar

That I speak Spanish.

Vunessuh's avatar

That I’m either half hispanic or half black when in fact I’m just your average white girl with a little Cherokee Indian in her blood.
People ask me often if one of my parents is African American.
They also assume I speak Spanish.

Fernspider's avatar

People often think I am sweeter, more naive or more innocent than I am. They are shocked to find out that I am not offended by swear words, listen to heavy music, like rough movies, have a dirty sense of humour and can certainly stand up for myself.

Even when I wear a lot of black or grungy clothing, people still think I am fragile, sensitive, delicate and don’t like to get my hands dirty which is far from the truth. I don’t see it but when people treat me a certain way, I know they have made assumptions about my character that aren’t accurate.

casheroo's avatar

@Likeradar I have that issue too. I don’t see why I have to smile 24/7. I only smile when engaging with people, otherwise I just have my normal face and apparently it’s a pissed off face lol.

ItalianPrincess1217's avatar

I used to be very skinny and would often be accused of being anorexic. That always bothered me.

I’m short (5’1) so people mistaken me for being a lot younger than I am. When at a bar, the bouncers stare at my ID really long before allowing me in. Recently I’ve even been offered a kids menu at a restaurant. Wow.

JesusWasAJewbot's avatar

First off, we totally need pics of the original poster to verify those claims.

People always think i speak spanish because im hispanic. I often get that i must be a nerd cause i wear glasses (which i am :]). Girls think that im a player, because when i was a teenager i went a little nuts (im a lover not a fighter =]).

scotsbloke's avatar

@Val123 – Lovely Ladies.
@JesusWasAJewbot – Looks Verified to me matey!

Val123's avatar

@scotsbloke That picture is precious to me…..it’s the only picture of herself my Mom has ever approved of! We lost her three years ago. :(

Answer this question

Login

or

Join

to answer.

Mobile | Desktop


Send Feedback   

`