How do I make myself look older?

[Florriedee]

Hi all

I know that this is something that most people would kill for but I look really young and I don't feel I get taken seriously because of it. I am 32 and I was asked today for Identification to buy cigarettes. I realise that the law has changed recently and they ask anyone who looks under 21 but it was mildly humiliating. Alongside my beauty therapy I am a volunteer coordinator and therefore work with a lot of older retired ppl who very definately think I am a mere slip of a child until they speak to me and realise I brook no opposition and will not be patronised but it does get me down anyway! I have to wear a uniform at work so I can't dress older, at least not at work but I have had my hair cut recently and dyed it brunette instead of my previous waist length blonde (that was a shock to the system I can tell you!) to see if I got taken more seriously but short of painting wrinkles on I don't know what to do. I almost want to write to the producers of 10 years younger and ask them to do a 10 years older on me! I am sure I have missed out on promotions at work cos I look young and they don't think that the customers will listen to me but I am actually very confident and spend a lot of time doing management stuff anyway but I just don't have the title or the salary!

If anyone has any suggestions I would be eternally grateful!

Lxxxx
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[1999judy]

Hi all

I know that this is something that most people would kill for but I look really young and I don't feel I get taken seriously because of it. I am 32 and I was asked today for Identification to buy cigarettes. I realise that the law has changed recently and they ask anyone who looks under 21 but it was mildly humiliating. Alongside my beauty therapy I am a volunteer coordinator and therefore work with a lot of older retired ppl who very definately think I am a mere slip of a child until they speak to me and realise I brook no opposition and will not be patronised but it does get me down anyway! I have to wear a uniform at work so I can't dress older, at least not at work but I have had my hair cut recently and dyed it brunette instead of my previous waist length blonde (that was a shock to the system I can tell you!) to see if I got taken more seriously but short of painting wrinkles on I don't know what to do. I almost want to write to the producers of 10 years younger and ask them to do a 10 years older on me! I am sure I have missed out on promotions at work cos I look young and they don't think that the customers will listen to me but I am actually very confident and spend a lot of time doing management stuff anyway but I just don't have the title or the salary!

If anyone has any suggestions I would be eternally grateful!

Lxxxx
Posted via Mobile Device

hmm.... ok you don't need to look OLDER!! We've had this discussion on here recently. WHY the heck would you WANT to look older???
You have to be older headed and that isn't easy. We can BE older headed yet still NOT look it!!..as the phrase goes....you can't put an old head on young shoulders....
I KNOW what you are talking about.....the chemistry...the science....
It really doesn't matter if you look 18 or 58.....your knowledge will show if you let it.
How good is your knowledge hun??

 

[Florriedee]

I've got a old head and its on old shoulders its the young face that's a problem! Lol!

And its not a problem of knowledge either as I am very good at my job and ppl once they have spoken to me realise I am not as young as I look but the first impression that ppl get of me is someone in their early 20s and that is not what I want. I want ppl to think ok, early 30s, not a youngster, been around the block a few times and a force to be reckoned with, which I very definately am but 1st impressions count and that's what bothers me. Lx
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[littlekate]

I too have this exact same problem. I'm 24 almost 25 and everyone always thinks i'm about 16! Its really annoying because I do think people look at me and think "well she's not been doing it long and must be still at college" when actually i've been doing it for 7 years! I went to look at a premises the other day (i'm hoping to open my own salon) and the man said you don't want a shop your only 12!!!

 

[jcpark]

I totally sympathise, as I have always looked younger than I am. I know it's not much comfort now, but at the age of 47 I am finally reaping the rewards.:wink2:

I do agree with 1999judy to a certain extent. A confident, professional manner can go some way.

 

[barberella]

God I so wish I had this problem.

Lol x:green:

 

[beautynails]

I'm 31 and people think I'm a teenager, I always find it rather amusing.

Elderly people would still think of you as "a mere slip of a child" at 32, it's all relative. All you can do is have a is have a professional, mature demeanour.

 

[mercedes69]

Gosh what an interesting dilemma....

I guess the only way to change your 'appearance' to look older would be make-up....

But rather than have it as a challenge....embrace it!!!!
It is a blessing to have a youthful look....and once you begin to embrace it then maybe you will be able to ignore the 'stares' and 'ignorance' of others....
If you think and feel everyone is looking at you as some sort of youthful person without knowledge then you begin to look for it in people when it might not be there....do you know what I mean? I am not patronising you....:hug:

When you get told... ' oh I thought you were much younger/only 20 odd/insert quote here ' then just hold your head high and think 'damn I am lucky' because ultimately you are....

I have always looked older....right from being about 7 years old....I acted it too...
however now I look flippin old but act about 20 years younger....ever the enternal fool :lol:

Try a positive spin on it...but if not...paint in those wrinkles xxxxx :hug:

 

[LipstickLady]

It's all in your command presence and how you carry yourself. You're blessed and I agree, you should enbrace your youthful appearance (because it doesn't last forever) and have more confidence in your abilities, skills and knowledge.

People are attracted to you because of the vibes you put out - likewise, they are unattracted to you because of the vibes you put out there. Don't make other people's problems become your problems. Create your own style and be loud and proud!

love, kelly

 

[1999judy]

At least you don't answer the phone and people ask "is your mum there?":irked::lol:

 

[jrobinson]

i posted a thread recently asking the same question. It is annoying when you get asked for id, or people think you are a lot younger, but after hearing some nice replies on my thread, i have come to terms with it!!!! it will be rewarding when im older, and there are a lot worse things in life that could happen! x

 

[Marley's Ghost]

If you aren't already - get married...

i found that made me look considerably older....and poorer.....

Wouldn't swap it though

 

[becki x]

If you aren't already - get married...

i found that made me look considerably older....and poorer.....

Wouldn't swap it though

Totally agree

Get a child (don't steal one mind ) a sister with whom you can't share the same breathing space a pregnancy which means you can't sleep in your normal position along with night cramps and hey presto you'll look as hagged as hell

 

[smiler13334]

You are lucky you have the best of both worlds, youthfull looking and a wise head, oh and also maturity. Make the most of it!! You will become acustomed to people saying you look alot younger and then one day it wont happen you will be gutted. Thats when the anti ageing, hair dye to cover grey etc will spring to mind

I am 40 very soon (my mates remind me of this very often) and up until I was 37 was asked for id etc. I now ask them if they want to see it lol lol

You are blessed with good genes, enjoy it.
xx