Is it Bad That I Look Young?

“My boyfriend can’t believe that you’re over 40,” my friend told me recently. Apparently he could believe it about our other friend, but not me.

This isn’t surprising to me. I’ve been getting the exact same reaction from many people who met me for the first time. My reaction was always to be flattered. I know they meant it as a compliment.

“It’s your glass skin,” most friends explain. “Your happy disposition.”

“Maybe it’s the way you dress?” suggested one.

This made me think. Wait, am I dressing appropriately for my age? Followed by – Am I behaving appropriately for my age? Or am I immature?

Of course I went there. I always do. You’d think that people above 40 years old would be more confident in themselves. Well, they are. But sometimes they still have moments like these.

“Is it a bad thing that I look younger?” I asked some friends. I sent over a group pic. “Look at this pic – most of these people are in their early thirties, is the age gap apparent?”

“Based on this photo, I don’t see an age gap,” a friend replied. “I don’t know if it’s just me, but usually, in my group of friends, I assume that they are the same age as me, that’s why I see the same with your friends.”

Something about what she said clicked.

“No, it’s not just you! I’m definitely the same, too!” I said. “Maybe that’s it! We assume that people are our age if we vibe with them.”

“Yes, unless they look visibly older,” she said.

“You’re not immature,” said another. “But I guess you have less wrinkles than the usual 40 year old (hello it’s me).”

This reminded me of that time I greeted my friends Merry Christmas with a photo of me and my cat.

I guess I should just be glad I look young and learn to accept compliments without overthinking!