Why people insist on treating me like I'm a little child when I'm 37 yrs old!?

Question

I'm only 5ft 1in but why should that matter? No one seems to take me seriously because I'm short.

Answer 1

You're right, it shouldn't matter. I think because you're smaller people might feel the need to always try to protect you from something...even though at 37 you're probably more than capable! I have the opposite problem, I'm about 5'11" so people always assume I could kick their a** if I got mad at them. So being short equates to being a wimp and being tall means you have anger management issues! lol It gets on my nerves too! :)

Answer 2

There may be many reasons to your question.

It may be that you are being treated as you believe?
It may be, that you 'feel' that you are being treated as though you are younger (hence the reference to your height)
It may be however, that you 'subconsciously' project an immature persona? (fashioned since childhood). Even if this is the case, there is no blame involved, just an acceptance of the fact.

Whichever is true, the fact that you perceive it to be a problem, means that it is a problem. The Good News is, all problems have a solution, and depending on the cause
the solution is not difficult.

Remember though, you cannot change others behaviour, just your own, which usually results in a change in the way others respond to you.

Answer 3

That's a weird way to look at it. Why do you think they treat you that because you're short? I really doubt that's it. My friend is 4'11 and we're 29. So she's short... so? I've never seen anyone treat her like a child because of that. She's a strong, mature woman with two kids and a good head on her shoulders. I think just because of the question you asked, you might be rather immature and that is probably why people treat you as they do. That's my opinion.

Answer 4

It seems that you are very conscious of your height which is a bad. Your perceptions of others treating you as a little child could be partly a reflection of your own insecurity. According to the book "secret" (I am not suggesting that the book is right), what you believe and think can actually influence how others react and treat you. Obviously I need to know more about you before I can make any categorical conclusions. Just smile alot and exude some confidence, you will gain respect in no time.

Answer 5

Not a lot to go on but at a guess id say you lack confidence if that's the case why? were you bullied when you were a child, did your confidence get lost at a pre-adult stage if yes try some self help stuff on the subject that lost you your confidence and re build it from there.

Answer 6

My neighbour is only four foot nine,she's 42 and runs a construction business very sucessfully, she has three kids, woe betide anyone who dared to treat her like a child. Maybe I should introduce you, she could obviously teach you some assertiveness.

Answer 7

Oh I hear you, I hear you! I'm 38 and just under 5 feet tall, and the number of times I've been asked if I'm over 21 is unbelievable. Flattering, but unbelievable.

Answer 8

I have the same problem. Its so annoying. I am 5ft3 and 37 years old and apparently dont look it (what exactly is 37 supposed to look like!!). The other day I was asked for ID when buying a bottle of wine!!!!

Answer 9

My friend has the same problem. She's 18, but people treat her like she is 13. She is quite short. Maybe they do this because you look yonger than 37? Or maybe they just really care about you? If it annoys you that badly, then just remind them politley that you are an adult, and that you CAN take care of yourself. Hope this helps. Best of Luck.

Answer 10

I agree with you there! I am only 5ft and a half an inch and I get it all the time. It is as if they have to talk down to me because they look down at me anyway!!! I get really pi**ed off with it.