There are common misunderstandings and assumptions children who wore glasses had to deal with growing up. Those stereotypes have either helped or harmed us in social situations. Here is a list of things I heard growing up with glasses.
1. Do you need your glasses?
Various times, people would try on my glasses for fun. My glasses are real medical solutions for my eyesight, not just a toy.
2. You are completely blind.
Nope. I needed glasses, but I could see.
3. You are not attractive.
The assumption that people wearing glasses are unattractive doesn't make sense to me. On the contrary, glasses are a form of accessory and it can look attractive depending on the individual and style frames.
4. You are extremely intelligent.
For some reason, kids ached to ask,"So, can I cheat off of your test?" People ask you for help more, and assume you know everything when you wear glasses.
5. You are cute.
When you smile you may get an "awww, you are so cute." People see you as "adorable" rather than powerful, cunning, attractive, etc.
6. You are a goody-two shoes.
It goes without saying that if you happened to be the kid who followed the rules and on top of that, wore glasses, you must be a goody-two shoes.
7. You're the teacher's pet.
You may follow the rules, and because of that, the teacher likes you. All of a sudden, you get labeled the teacher's pet.
8. You are weak.
On the playground, your glasses are seen as a weakness. So, you are picked on more. "Four eyes" is the most popular tease. Other children will tease you because they think that you won't stand up for yourself.
9. You are not cool.
If you were a book reader like me, while wearing glasses, people assumed that it was all you did. It was just assumed that you wouldn't be interested in sports or anything else the other kids were interested in.
10. You are boring.
People would assume,"oh, you would not know about that," when social topics came up. They think that because you wear glasses your social life must be dull.
11. You are stuck up.
Some people perceived you as stuck up as an eye-glass wearer. They assumed you thought that you are smarter than them. Politely answering questions in class becomes a personal attack when you wear glasses.
