Look Yo Age

Appearances play a fairly substantial role in life. I think that everyone can agree with that. Personal presentation can make or break a career. I might not have a career yet, but that's what graduate school is for, correct? And I do try to look like I am a professional (try is probably the key word in that sentence). However, I can't seem to convince some folks that I really am my age.

I'm 22 years old. Now, I know that is no by no means ancient (except that I'm basically an old maid by Southern standards). However, I do get caught off guard by the number of people who seem genuinely surprised that I am how old I am! 

A year or so ago, I had to go to the bank and open a new account. (The following conversation is an approximate summary of the actual conversation).The lady at the desk scrutinized me and asked, "Are you at least 18? How old are you?"

"I'm 21."

"Are you sure?"

"Well... yep."

"Show me your ID."

"Okiedokie."

*Examines ID, returns it to me, and doesn't acknowledge my honesty*

Now, on this particular day, I was probably wearing very casual clothes, minimal makeup, and had my unbrushed hair in a ponytail. I know that sounds really cute; it's unbelievable how single I am. But anyway, the point is that I was not fixed up and therefore perhaps looked younger. You know, because younguns don't wear makeup or something. I don't know; just go with it.

However, just the other day, I had a child ask me how old I was. It may or may not be relevant that I was all fixed up on this occasion, because I had clinicals. We were talking about something or another, and she just abruptly asked me about my age. The conversation went something sorta like this: *Interrupts natural flow of conversation* "Um, how old are you?"

"I'm 22."

"Oh... okay."

"How old do you think I am?" *Hopes that she doesn't say anything older than my true age*

"I guess like 19-ish."

"Well... nope."

"Okay."

It was a really great conversation, and I know you're glad I shared it with you.

Now don't get me wrong; I know that 19 years old and 22 years old are not separated by a large number of years. I'm pretty horrible at math, but I can calculate the difference between them (probably). And I definitely prefer to be perceived as young rather than old. Hopefully people will continue to perceive my appearance as young as I age. 

I guess I'm just curious. What do people perceive my age to be, and why do they perceive it to be what it is?