At thirteen, looking "sixteen" seemed like the cool thing to do. Sixteen-year-olds had a stigma surrounding them that made it seem like once you reached such a great milestone you would automatically be super hot and cool.
Unfortunately for me, I not only did I achieve the sixteen-year-old look, but I have managed to retain it into my early twenties. However, I do not think that my thirteen-year-old self would be proud of the results of my lingering youth.
To make a long story short, these are just a few aspects of the struggle of looking young.
1. People will frequently ask how old you are.
From a young age I was told that it is impolite to ask about a person's age. However, per my experience, that rule does not seem to apply if the person in question looks somewhat young. Therefore, being asked this question is a common occurrence.
2. If you do happen to share your age, people's reactions will more likely than not be even more rude than the fact that they asked in the first place.
"Wow you're walking around in Target alone on a Tuesday afternoon! Shouldn't you be in school?" "Well actually I don't have class today because I'm in college." "College? Really, how old are you?" "Twenty-one..." "Oh! You look so young, but don't worry, you'll appreciate it when you get older!" Okay, but now you have me wondering if I am supposed to have some sort of problem with my appearance in the meantime. Also, at what age will I "appreciate" my appearance? I need answers.
3. Explaining the advantages of looking young, like trying to convince you that a problem you didn't know you have isn't actually a problem.
"Looking young is great, you won't need Botox!" "There are people who would pay a lot of money to look like that!" In the era against body shaming... you'd think this would be considered taboo.
4. Fake ID? Forget it.
Even though neither I, nor anyone I know, has ever used a fake ID because we are all law-abiding citizens and would never ever imagine participating in something such as underage drinking, other people still do. If they have the look of eternal youth, then using a fake is probably about as useful as using a learner's permit to buy a bottle of wine. People have a hard time believing you are old enough to be graduating high school, and now you're trying to pass for twenty-five? Riiiiiiiiiight.
5. Even after you turn 21 people still question the validity of your actual ID.
Whether it be a grocery store, gas station, casino, or liquor store, prepare yourself for an interrogation. The manager may even be called over. Who knows.
6. Bonus points if you're short!
You've already been #blessed with the permanent face of a child. But you're short too? Aww, cute.
Despite all of the rude questions and annoying remarks, having a childlike appearance isn't always bad. For example, at least you can get away with getting a child's movie ticket and save yourself from the inflation of the entertainment industry. Just to name one positive aspect. So keep your baby chin up and flaunt that precious face.
