There are far worse problems than looking "cute" and "innocent", but it is really annoying in several life categories. For one, applying for jobs and going to interviews can be a knock down on your confidence level; you're talked to like a teenager instead of a 26-year-old despite wearing a full-face of makeup, work clothes, and heels. Dating can be a pain because dates will think you're lying about your age. General interactions with older people involve questions on their end like: "Are you graduating from high school soon?"
I really don't think I look THAT young. Yes, I have a "young-looking" face because it's round; I have round eyes; I'm 5"2'; and my voice is a bit higher for a woman approaching 30. But I don't think I look like an adolescent...hopefully? Anyway, my point is being treated as if you were an adolescent isn't fun; I feel like I'm always given lower expectations because of my young appearance, like I'm not up for a tough job just because I look innocent.
Which is LAME. And trust me, I know being treated differently because you look young isn't the most terrible thing that can happen; very real discrimination exists so I don't want to sit here making it seem like my life is so full of setbacks because I have a baby face. I just wanted to write out my feelings here in case anyone has similar experiences, because career wise, I think my young appearance is really holding me back (for the reason mentioned in the first paragraph). I feel like I need to wear a full face of makeup, a blazer and dress pants, and some heels to make myself look like someone who should be taken seriously. It's something I've been *very* annoyed with for years now, and I'm working on changing my mindset from: "No one takes me seriously" to "I am worthy of respect."
This is a constant process, and one that's not easy to fix. After so many years feeling down about not being taken seriously, it can be a challenge to undo those limiting beliefs - but I still try. That's the important thing. Whatever your challenge is when it comes to personal growth, the fact that you keep pushing to better yourself is what's important - not whether or not you fix the issue right away. Recognize the problem, and work at it every day - no matter how small that work is.
Now, I've got to get to work.
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