Today, with 26 glorious and fun-packed years behind me, I was told that I look younger than a friend who is actually a year younger than me.
My response really, really surprised me. I actually beamed! I preened! I flicked my frickin’ hair!
It wasn’t like I was being paid a compliment either — they were just making a fleeting comparison. ‘Who’s older, you or him?’- ’Me’ - Oh, you look younger than him…’
I can’t believe I responded so strongly… perhaps I am more vain than I thought… or maybe I really am worried about growing old…
Eleni
Aug 11, 2010
Congratulations! I’ve been mistaken for younger than I am a lot. Two instances that I was insulted by were 1) Getting carded for an R-rated movie when I was 22 (a college graduate being mistaken for a 16-year-old high schooler?!) and 2) During a safety drill on a cruise ship, I was asked if I was 12 or under, when I was actually 20 (seriously, what was wrong with that lady?). I don’t like being mistaken for a teenager, but I find I don’t mind so much if people think I’m under 21. I’m just hoping the looking-younger-than-I-am thing will stay with me into the years when I’m actually old and it matters more to me.
andhari
Aug 11, 2010
As someone who’s been super vain all her life, I know how you feel. Nothing’s wrong with being a bit vain and I happen to have these cool products for your skin that prevents aging (hahaha) if you want
Abi
Aug 11, 2010
Any excuse to flick the hair…. or wet it… or spray it…
And we have already discussed you aging well. You will.
Kirses
Aug 11, 2010
Hmm – not sure why you’d want to look younger than 26.. wait till you’re over 35 and then you’ll really know what it is to be delighted by that kind of comment – despite whether it seems genuine or not!
sebastian
Aug 13, 2010
Eep, sorry for taking so long to reply — very, very busy at the moment. And now I’m tired, so this response probably won’t make a whole lot of sense
Just today, Eleni, I was standing with an 18-year-old girl and she was mistaken for _13_ by someone that walked up to us. 13! But hey, it very rapidly shifts from a bad thing to a very good thing as you progress through the late 20s and early 30s…
I’ve thought about using creams and stuff before, Andhari! Especially for my eyes. I’ve had a lot of eye strain recently, and I’ve been worried about getting wrinkles around my eyes from it… maybe I have nothing to worry about, but…
You’re over 35, Kirses?!?!
This is me in 30 years, Abi:
janet
Aug 28, 2010
hat girl has gross saggy boobs.
i’m constantly told i look 18-23. I love it!
Abi
Aug 28, 2010
I never came back to see that picture and just spat my cereal out.
I’d make you have a haircut FOR SURE before it got to that.
sebastian
Aug 28, 2010
I’m the one on the LEFT, Janet…
Abi, I wouldn’t dream of cutting my hair. Every long, greasy strand would be a reminder of my continued virility.
janet
Sep 1, 2010
also, if you really want to look younger, i’m sure not having facial hair would help… just sayin