People always think I'm 16 but I'm 22 years old. How can I look older?

Question

So many people have told me I look so young, like a teenager. But in reality I'm 22 years old.

People ask me which high school I go to, when in fact I'm a college graduate and starting grad school in the fall.

What can I do? This situation is so embarassing!!!!

Answer 1

First of all, I'm not going to tell you that you will be glad of this situation in 20 years, mostly because it's your problem NOW that you are asking about. (I am 26 and have had to deal with this for years.)

Wearing you hair in a defined style (rather than a ponytail) helps a lot, as does wearing clothing that is more classic than trendy. A professional wardrobe is going to be important once you enter the workforce as well - people take you more seriously when you look like you belong on the job!

Also, try to remove the word "like" from your vocabulary. When used in every sentence, it makes you sound immature and unsure of yourself.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I can relate to your situation. I'm 31 and get carded for lottery tickets!

It aggravates me whenever people say, "Yeah, but in 40 years, you'll appreciate looking young!" What sort of advice is that?

The truth of the matter is that anyone who makes judgement about your age without knowing you isn't worth your concern. After all, if you go out and get carded at a bar, you can simply show your ID. You're not lying about your age, so what does it matter? No worries.

I'll go out on a limb and guess that you're more annoyed at people making assumptions about your age- and thus your accomplishments, experience, and knowledge- than you are about actually looking older?

Looking older isn't going to change how people perceive you.

Case in point: George W. Bush doesn't look as if he's a teenager, yet many people think of him as a fool, an idiot. Why? It's how he looks- it what he says and does.

You're not going to change anyone's perceived assumptions about you just by "looking older". It's your ACTIONS which make you "look older".

In a sense, you've answered your own question. You're about to enter your graduate studies. I assume you take your schooling seriously- it takes a great deal of maturity and determination to decide to continue your studies past the undergradutate level.

Consider that anyone who is in a position to judge you- professors, prospective employers after you graduate, even family and friends- do so because of your actions- how you think, what you say, and what you do- and not for how you look.

Others may judge you for how you look simply because that's the easiest way to form an opinion without getting to know them.

Stop and think if it really makes your life difficult to have to show prove to people that you're not as young as they think you are? It doesn't. It shouldn't.

If someone mistaking you for being a teenager bothers you THAT much, then perhaps you're not as mature as you think you are?

Answer 3

Looking young is a very good thing. And when people ask you about high school, THEY'RE the ones who should be embarrased, not you. They should make sure of your age before they ask you and know that just because you LOOK 16 doesn't mean you ARE 16.
So when people ask you, tell them that you're 22, and laugh. You'll feel a lot better if you just relax and laugh!

Answer 4

I am 29 and people think I look between the ages of 18-22. It is a nice compliment.
Do not try to get older. Be happy that you are 22 and look like you are 6 years younger.

Answer 5

I had the same problem when I was younger. ENJOY IT! When you get to be middle age you will LOVE all the people thinking you are a decade younger than you really are. If it really bothers you, maybe you are dressing too young for your age. Try to wear more age appropriate clothes and see if that helps. Also style your hair in a more "grown up" way.

Answer 6

Bask in it!! Revel in it!! You have been blessed with a youthful beauty NOT beyond your years!
Seriously, in not too long, you will LOVE that people think you look younger than you are. So when they ask you things like about the high school, just smile and laugh and kindly correct them. Or make a joke out of it. Be playful, hide your age for a while! :)

Answer 7

Think about how you dress, do your makeup and your hair. A lot of times people will make their inferences based on that in addition to the youthfullness of your face. Shoes also seem to be something that people notice. I think dressing and looking the part will go a long way.

Answer 8

Dress in tailored, classy outfits, dont go for the latest fads unless it is a few pieces thrown in with classics. I dont mean dress frumpy at all, just kind of professional, I suppose.
Learn to use light, natural makeup that wont overwhelm your natural beauty.
Speak properly, as in, avoid lots of words like "um" and "like" and "oh my god".
Just act mature, and let your beauty shine through. I think age is just a number, but class is something that comes with age, and the way you present yourself is a persons first impression of you.

Answer 9

I often have the same problem and im 23 with two children. I always get asked for I.D even for buying cigarette's(have to be 16 in UK) it can be embarrassing but i just hope it still happens in 20yrs time.

Answer 10

THERE IS NO PRODUCT OUT THERE THAT MAKES YOU LOOK OLDER. I AM 29 AND PEOPLE THINK I'M 18, AND I ACT MY AGE BUT, I TAKE IT AS A COMPLIMENT, AND YOU SHOULD TOO. LOOKING OLD OR OLDER COMES WITH TIME. THIS MEANS YOU ARE TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF. SO WHEN YOU GET OLDER IN YOUR 30'S OR 40'S, PEOPLE WILL BE THINKING YOU IN YOUR 20'S. DON'T BE EMBARASSED, BE CONFIDENT.