Hey ladies---
Thank you to everyone that shared your stories. I also wanted to thank people who left suggestions and comments putting things in perspective.
I usually get mistaken for significantly older than my age, but not necessarily in a flattering way. I had just never had both assumptions made in the same day! I want to improve my style for me, but also because I want to look more appropriate for work/ect. because I don't like being disrespected just because I am college-aged.
I do have to argue with you ladies about the difference between 18 and 21 though. Of course, I am sure that the difference is nothing compared to other age gaps, but it is a pretty big deal on a mostly undergrad campus. I wouldn't expect someone in their late 20s or 30s to be able to tell me apart from someone a few years younger, but it is pretty important that my "peers" do. I am sorry, but I have a younger brother that is in the 18-age range that I practically raised from the time he was 6. I would be very uncomfortable dating someone that was in the same age group as my brother, especially with our relationship. I think a lot of ladies in their early twenties would agree that it can be awkward to date someone that is probably just moving out of mom and dad's house, where some of us have been supporting ourselves for 4+ years. This can also affect friendships. I wouldn't go around guessing people's ages out loud, but I can generally tell someone that is 18 from a senior. It is also annoying at work or with professors to be mistaken for a freshman as someone almost finished with my second undergraduate degree and have been in the workplace for a much longer time and would like to think that my professionalism shows that.
Of course, I probably couldn't tell if someone was 28 or 31, but I am not in that age range and wouldn't go around guessing!
I got a kick out of the stories.
