Remember that time when I actually updated my blog? Yeah, life has been crazy as I am sure you can understand. Quick update for those who don't already know, I'm in Minnesota! I am living with my lovely in-laws and my hubby and I are here for the summer. He has a job as a tree doctor and I am babysitting when I can. Ta-Da, all caught up.
Today my post is a bit of a rant, but not necessarily whiny, more my insight on a comment I get very often.
"How old are you? 16? 17?"
"Aww you look like one of those kids from the Disney Channel!"
"Excuse me miss, is this ID fake? You don't look like you're even 18." (at the airport)
"Isn't it so funny!! I look older than you!" (said from a 15 year old)
I AM TWENTY-TWO.
Yes I understand that I'll love it when I'm older.
BUT when I am babysitting a 12 year old (who looks like she is 16) and her 15 year old sister (who looks like she is 20, no joke.) asks if I'm one of her little sisters friends... that my dear readers, is not fun.
My problem with this is that I am very much a girly-girl. I can't wear a dress without looking like a kid, I can't curl my hair without looking like a kid, I can't go with out makeup without looking like a kid.
"What is wrong with looking like a kid," you may ask? I don't get taken seriously. I was in a place of work and a co-worker would make fun of me in front of customers. Being a mature person I just brushed it off and went on with my job. Then customers got in on it. Saying I looked like somebody from Disney channel, while another customer said "oh I think it's because she's got the baby cheeks." Seriously? She might as well had called me fat. Saying I have baby cheeks or that I look like a kid IS NOT A COMPLIMENT.
There is a time and place for that. Try me again in 10-15+ years lady.
I have taken care of myself for a long time. I have always been mature and self sufficient for my age. I've always wanted to be treated fair regardless of my age, gender, and religion. Since I look young, people assume that I am naive, helpless, and lack the ability to carry on an adult conversation. Since I am a very much in-tune with my feminine side people assume I am a ditz, stuck up, and unable to be self sufficient. Lastly, since I am a Mormon (who looks barely 18) I fit in to the misconception that all Mormons marry young. In the world this is perceived as being a negative life choice. With all of these qualities I carry, I am constantly being misjudged in many unflattering ways.
Now, what you might not know is that I have more common sense in my pinkie that most people do in their whole bodies. I will stick up for myself and others because contrary to popular belief, I've got a backbone. I am smart, independent, and compassionate. I married not even a year ago to a man I love. We dated for two years and I trust him and he knows me better than anybody. I made the choice to marry young. Not because of my religion, not because I was pressured, not because I was naive. Because I love him and I want to spend the rest of forever with him.
SO, what have we learned?
When you tell me, or any other person that they look quite a bit younger than they are, you are lowering self-esteem. You are making me feel like I have to wear makeup every day to be taken seriously. That I can't wear that super cute floral dress I just bought because I look like a child. You are saying that you are the bigger, better adult, and I'm just this cute little girl. You may not think you're implying these things but you are. That is how it will be taken. Please think before you say anything that might be detrimental to someone.
Oh and for those of you who have said to me:
"youth is wasted on the young"
"stop being so sensitive"
"well you getting so worked up about it sounds pretty childish to me"
I want to punch you in the face.
With a chair.
Until Next Time..
