In today's society, people LOVE to judge others based off of appearance, and if you look even remotely "younger" than what you are, you've probably heard most, if not all of, the following comments. I know I have: as an almost 20-year-old, people think it's alright to assume people's age based on appearance and hilarious to joke about it.
If you can't relate, then maybe you've said some of the following to a "young-looking" individual, and if so, allow this to be a note of warning involving things NOT to say.
Okay? Let's begin.
1. "You’re (insert your age here)?! I thought you were so much younger!"
This is usually the first thing out of people's mouths when you state your age. Well, you thought wrong: yes, I am my age.
For some reason, it's perfectly acceptable to say this version, but if one were to say to an older individual: "You're 60?! I thought you were so much older," it would be considered utter disrespect. Please explain.
2. "You look so much younger than others your age."
This comment is basically a less-derogatory way of saying "you don't live up to the standard." That standard being other people of a similar age. Just stop.
Also, people fail to realize that looks vary from person to person, so how is there really one specific "look" for an age group? Because appearances are so diverse, it's quite an ignorant claim to say that one doesn't look like the rest of the people "their age" because everyone looks different.
3. "Why are you so short?"
Oh geesh Debra, I don't know…genetics? I didn't choose the short life, the short life chose me.
PS: Since when is height and size associated with age?
4. "Aw, you’re so cute!"
Cute is a nice compliment for a puppy or a young child, but is actually pretty condescending to an almost twenty-year-old.
5. "Are you even old enough to drive?"
No, that car you just saw me get out of the driver seat of isn't mine: I stole my mom's freaking car. I'm actually 10 years old.
6. "You look 12!"
This is probably the worst of them all: while it is often just intended to be a lighthearted comment and a joke, telling an adult that they look like a child is incredibly demeaning.
7. The "Kiddie Menu" comments (and jokes).
"How many kids' menus?" "Anyone under 12? Kids eat free today!" When there's only adults in the party and you're the obvious suspect.
Ma'am, I'm 19 years old, I will not be needing a kids' menu: I've been ordering off of the "adult menu" since I was 5, btw.
8. (Looking young): “You’ll appreciate it when you’re older!”
Maybe I will, but we're living in the present.
In conclusion, all of these phrases, while they may seem funny or light to those saying them, really aren't amusing at all to those who hear such things every day (literally, every. single. day). It's 2018: why are we still judging people's appearance? Let's skip the judgment and realize that everyone looks different, which is what makes the world an awesomely diverse place!
