I'm 26 and I look 13, what should I do?

Question

I have been blessed/cursed with the look of a 13-17 year old. Bad part about it is that I am 26. I also have been hoplessly single since I was in undergrad. I am 5'4" so that really doesn't help much.
I want to meet/date men my age, but when they find out how old I am, they tend to still treat me like a girl the age they thought I was (anywhere from 13-17). I wear make-up from time to time but that usually doesn't help. I definitely dress my age, but teenagers are wearing the same thing as twenty-somethings these days anyway, so that doesn't matter. What are some suggestions for meeting new people? (preferably not internet dating)

Answer 1

go to sophisticated places, like museums and gallery openings.

Answer 2

I'm a young-looking 26--but not quite that young-looking. I get "college freshman" a lot. I've found hair styles are a big way people assess my age. If you wear your hair in a ponytail generally, for example, you might try pinning it into a pretty bun. If your hair is super-long, you might try a shorter more sculpted style. Makeup does help. But I think it's a pretty big hassel to put on tons everyday. You might try heading to a Clinque counter or whatever at a department store and get some pro makeup advice for looking a bit older without spending all your time and money on product.

I think clothes in your mid-twenties are tricky. You don't want to look like you're 15, but you don't want to look like you're 35 either. I don't know how you dress, but I think simplicity is always a good way to go. Try to avoid, say, embellished jeans or tees with cartoons or super shiny bags. Ballerina flats or sandals are a little more adult than, say, Chuck Taylors.

It's also important to remember that, just like your middle aged auntie says, age is a feeling not a number. If you walk around feeling 13 and letting people treating you like you're 13, then you may as well be 13. Try speaking in a bit lower voice, speak a little louder. Make eye contact. Stand up straight. If guys treat you like a child, let them know that's inappropriate. A lot of guys treat women like children, so it might not have a thing to do with the way you look.

As far as meeting guys, that's pretty tough. I mean, be confident. Have fun. Live your life. When you're out and about and living your life, you may get lucky.

Good luck

Answer 3

First of all be thankful and pray that this lasts as you age.
Second, maybe it's the type of guys you are attracted to/seeking out.
If you carry yourself like a mature woman there should be no reason for a mature man to treat you otherwise.
Especially if he is attracted to you.

Don't go to clubs (or the like) to meet guys because it's unlikely they are want a serious relationship.
I don't think there is really a sure-fire nice place to meet good men. (I met my DH when he was helping my brother move.) I think it is a good idea to meet people through peole you trust.
HTH

Answer 4

honey yr sitting in the same boat i am...I'm 24 and 5'6 and look like i'm betwen 13-17 usually i get carded everywhere i go. But i've learned no matter what age u are it all depends on ur attitude if your vibes are strength and maturity and a whole lotta women people can usually pick up on that. Cause i get people that say i look young but i don't ack it so they no different. I don't know if this helps and if not im sorry

Answer 5

My suggestion would be to first, carry yourself as a mature confident woman and consider getting a nice hair cut. What I have found and I could be wrong but men usually treat you according to how you present yourself to them. They react to us, if you will. Also, AA women usually cut their hair as they get older and this may work to add style and maturity to your appearance. Oh by the way I am an AA woman that looks young for my age too, lol. Sorry I can't make any suggestions regarding finding a nice guy. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Just tell men to not treat you like a teenager.

Really, this should be a blessing, not a curse. Men are usually attracted to young women, or women who look young. Just find more mature guys who will TREAT you like an adult.

Answer 7

Try dressing more conservatively than you normally would. It'll make you seem older. Also, try a short hair-cut, coupled with a nice pair of glasses. That should do the trick.

Answer 8

1) go places and do things you like and find a guy to talk to there.
2) pay attention to this section of ask. notice how the girls that are in high school like to play games... generally because they are scared of being hurt? play the part of the grown, sexy woman who knows what she wants ( that particular guy) and i bet youll do ok. men like a confident woman.

Answer 9

Go to places where your character and personality are important. If you go to a bar, you're toast. If you go to a good evangelical church where they like you for who you are....bam. You could meet the man of your dreams!

Answer 10

I would be pleased to escort you on a date. Please reply using the e-mail mechanism as to where and when I should meet you and please attach a pic to the e-mail. I would love to see the 26 year old that looks like a teen.