I Look Younger Than I Am
I just had a random memory of two years ago when I worked as a cashier at a nearby grocery store. I looked twelve despite being twenty and a customer was surprised I was allowed to scan and bag the alcohol he was buying. He jokingly told me that it would be years before I'd be able to drink but his whole body jerked in surprise when I said "Oh that'd be next year!" (The legal drinking age is 21 in my country). Ha!
Another thing I remembered happened that same year at work. A middle-aged woman mistook me as a kid and complimented me for working so hard at such a young age and said how smart I was. I appreciate the compliment and I know she thought I was a young teen, but it is extremely awkward when the compliment is toward another adult. It was so strange I didn't know how to answer and the woman happily walked away, clueless about my real age.
Now I look sixteen, so things are a little better when I talk to other adults. Kind elderly people don't call me "Little Girl" anymore and less people are asking me if I am ready to start school every fall (and I do go to school, but to a COLLEGE). But I have to admit that looking young is a good thing sometimes. I get away with a lot more things than I would be able to get away with if I looked my age. People will just think I'm some silly teen. Hip-hurrah!
Another thing I remembered happened that same year at work. A middle-aged woman mistook me as a kid and complimented me for working so hard at such a young age and said how smart I was. I appreciate the compliment and I know she thought I was a young teen, but it is extremely awkward when the compliment is toward another adult. It was so strange I didn't know how to answer and the woman happily walked away, clueless about my real age.
Now I look sixteen, so things are a little better when I talk to other adults. Kind elderly people don't call me "Little Girl" anymore and less people are asking me if I am ready to start school every fall (and I do go to school, but to a COLLEGE). But I have to admit that looking young is a good thing sometimes. I get away with a lot more things than I would be able to get away with if I looked my age. People will just think I'm some silly teen. Hip-hurrah!
26-30, F
