How to Deal With People Mistaking Your Age

Still getting carded at 30? It can be frustrating to never be taken seriously on account of everyone thinking you are still in high school. Make sure you can find ways to grin and bear it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Have your ID easily accessible. Sure, it’s frustrating that you’re 25 and getting a beer without an argument or extensive questioning from the bartender is next to impossible. Be able to beat them to the punch before “Can I see some ID?” is even finished being verbalized.
2. Know when to hide your ID. Is there a student discount at the movies/museum/attraction you are visiting? Can you pass for 18 to fit in the “Children 18 and under get in free” segment? If you are asked for ID when purchasing such a ticket remind the person questioning you that, since you are under 18, you don’t have a driver’s license or other form of ID. They can’t argue with you there. Just make sure they don’t see you driving away or standing with a beer in your hand 5 minutes after you just convinced them you aren’t old enough to be doing either.
3. In the workplace, it is often frustrating to have no one take you seriously because they think you look like a teenager. Be sure to dress as an adult, and talk with a speech pattern that says “business appropriate” instead of “high school cheerleader.” You don’t need your coworkers and superiors to have any ammunition that not only to you look young, you dress, talk and act to fit the part as well.
4. Take it as a compliment. So what if everyone is asking you what grade you’ll be going into next year or what colleges you plan on applying to when you’ve been out of college and in the working world for over a year? Be able to laugh about it, and keep reminding yourself that if you have a young look about you it’s likely you’ll continue to look young as you get older. You’ll be appreciative when you are 40 and still being mistaken for 28.