When people ask me my age and I tell them 17, they often say, "Wow, I thought you were older than that." How do I respond to this? I can't really say thank you because they might not mean it as a compliment, so what do I say?
2006-12-12 02:53:24 · 18 answers · asked by JitterBug589 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
just smile and say, nope, im 17... dont need to say thank you.
2006-12-12 04:17:33 · answer #1 · answered by kaisergirl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd take it mostly positively, as a sign of maturity. However, nobody likes to think they look older than they are (unless they're trying to buy booze or get in a club). I used to look at the person saying it, and with a laugh and a smile say "Really?? Wow! What made you think that?"
Then they'll backpedal a bit and I'd say "It's OK" with a smile.
2006-12-12 11:49:44 · answer #2 · answered by chefgrille 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a compliment- though not an intentional one.
You probably act more mature than others your age, and their surprise is positive proof of that. Be glad they're surprised.
You might try responding to their statement with a question like: "What made you think that?"
They are bound to compliment you in a more concrete way after a leading question like that one! :)
2006-12-12 11:00:35 · answer #3 · answered by B SIDE 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Actually it is not really a compliment at all...to tell a lady that she looks older than she is! This would never come into my mind.
I would say: Well, thank you very much, how exactly do you mean that?
With that question, he/she will have to reply!
Lol, they will probably be so embarassed to look at you!
Good luck!
2006-12-12 11:19:27 · answer #4 · answered by Gary H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually it depends on who is saying it - if it is a man it is a failed pick up line and he is disappointed - if a woman then she is being catty and you can reply to her disadvantage as well for example "I may look older but at least I am normal/natural." If you need to retort at all. As a young woman I was always told I looked older but now everyone says how young I look. Facial definition is completed at about 22 but some begin to look more mature sooner, it is part of the growing process. Look at it this way you may look older now and still be carded 10 years from now. Good Luck!
2006-12-12 11:05:03 · answer #5 · answered by Walking on Sunshine 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I used to get that all the time. My first week of high school, this guy stopped me on the street (I was catching a city bus TO my bus stop) for a cigarette. I was like "um, no sorry I'm in HS " - what a baby lol - but he was like "omg for real, i though you went to _______ College!"
You have an air of maturity. It can get really annoying, but its no biggie. And it really is a compliment.
2006-12-12 11:03:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I doubt it would be ment as a bad thing, it would be like a 30+ 40+ woman being told that they looked younger. As for a responce simply say "How much older?" If its over 21 ask them to buy you a drink ;-).... I don't condone underage drinking I was only kidding about that.
2006-12-12 11:02:48 · answer #7 · answered by Mark G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Say "thank you" whether you think it's a compliment or not. If they intended it to be an insult, they will be the one looking like an idiot
2006-12-12 15:55:36 · answer #8 · answered by Jane 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they are meaning that you act in a responsible and mature manner. I'd take it as a compliment.
2006-12-12 11:02:52 · answer #9 · answered by sydney77 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it is not compliment, but I think maybe you like them, so just take a look, chat or run = )
2006-12-12 15:01:57 · answer #10 · answered by falconj 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you could say "what makes you think that?"...maybe it's because you seem much more mature than 17 yrs old....if that's the case, then you really could say "thank you"
2006-12-12 11:02:41 · answer #11 · answered by SNAP! 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋