Old,but look really young. Not good.

[Omen]

So I don't know if anyone else has this problem, but here is the deal. I'm 26, and I look about 18. Good for when i'm 50, but not good for picking up women.

I seem to only attract 17-19yr old girls. Maybe 20 if i'm lucky. If I had a penny for everytime a girl or even guy said I looked 18, i'd be filthy rich.

So what the hell is one supposed to do when only 18yr old girls are attracted to you for the most part? Some may say... That's a plus and your lucky, cause some older guys look REALLY old, and gross. A guy at work is 32 and this girl said he looked 40. She told me I looked 18.

One goes, so your 26, but you don't look it. Again, she was young, and to her, that would be cool to date an older guy, but for him to not really look it.

Not to mention my age radar is off as well. I swear, trying to tell the difference in 18-21yr olds and 21yr olds to 26 is impossible. Girls need an age stamped on their heads so it can save us the hassle.

So what the hell am I supposed to do? Any thoughts or ideas? I guess too, sometimes I am attracted to the ones that are 18, but it could be in part that their appearance resembles mine, and not my age. Don't get me wrong, a 26yr old smokin hot girl would rock, but then when they get 30 or so, they look to old for me when age wise they aren't. Get my drift?

Even in college its tough. Even though its a non-traditional school, and average age is 32 or so, there are so many in that 18-22 age.

For me it really sucks, and I have had this problem for a long time. Seriously, can we see your ID? I got carded once at blockbuster by some 16yr old kid. I almost said son.... I was renting R movies before you even got out of elementary school. I'd prefer to settle down sometime, but not with a young one.

[dakota]

Well as someone who is 38 yet still gets carded or mistaken for being in HS I can provide some tips ... if you want to " look older" you will need to dress older, also do not use vernacular common to the younger set. Those would be my suggestions.

[Vulpine]

Some facial hair works for age, but ladies don't always dig it. I just shaved my crazy "Englishe + Royale" moustache/goatee set off and was like: Dang, I'm 16 again!

[Omen]

Some facial hair works for age, but ladies don't always dig it. I just shaved my crazy "Englishe + Royale" moustache/goatee set off and was like: Dang, I'm 16 again!


That works for making me look about 19 instead of 12. LMAO.

And dakota, the dressing I have down, when I can wear it. I work in a fitness related field, so I am always in fitness attire. People are shocked when they see me in anything other. That's at school too. I don't think I wore a pair of jeans to college once this sememster cause I don't have use for them.

Week-ends though are when I do, and then I can dress in a nice tie and slacks when needed, and even coat and tie.

Oh well, I guess I want my wife to out-live me someday, so its not all that bad, especially when I get older and my wife is young and hot. :crackup:

[MacAvoy]

I seem to only attract 17-19yr old girls. Maybe 20 if i'm lucky. If I had a penny for everytime a girl or even guy said I looked 18, i'd be filthy rich.

So what the hell is one supposed to do when only 18yr old girls are attracted to you for the most part?

Your not even 30 yet. You shouldn't be thinkin long term, you should be trying to stick it in as many different women as you can. Who cares if they're 18, 19, or 20 or 30. Just have fun. Most guys your age would kill to be able to pick up a nice TIGHT 19 year old.

The once or twice a year that I land one, I savour every minute of it. You can totally own them, train them, rock their world.

Oh yea wearing sweats to school everday is part of the reason why you look so young in everyone's eyes. They associate that to young punks, not some sophisticated 26 yr old.

[Omen]

Your not even 30 yet. You shouldn't be thinkin long term, you should be trying to stick it in as many different women as you can. Who cares if they're 18, 19, or 20 or 30. Just have fun. Most guys your age would kill to be able to pick up a nice TIGHT 19 year old.

The once or twice a year that I land one, I savour every minute of it. You can totally own them, train them, rock their world.

Oh yea wearing sweats to school everday is part of the reason why you look so young in everyone's eyes. They associate that to young punks, not some sophisticated 26 yr old.

Well, not sweats, but workout attire, cause that's what I have to wear to work, and to personal train in, not to mention workout in, and its all on campus, so there isn't an option. I'm not about to wear jeans to take a whole other attire just for a class or two. I can't fit crap in my locker as it is.

Oh I have the sophistication down, cause I always have people come talk to me about certain things at school.

Yeah, maybe I should be happy I can pick up young girls instead of them going... Gross he looks like he's 40. :up:

[STR8UP]

When you are 26 you SHOULD be hooking up with 19 yr olds. I just don't understand how this is a disadvantage to you.

I feel like the luckiest guy in the world to be 34 years old and told that I look 26 on a regular basis. You're going to feel the same way in a few years, I assure you.

[Omen]

I guess I just wondered how many older guys get called a bunch of crap for dating those girls, as opposed to older ones. Oh well, I guess its cool you can play them all as in they usually listen to you, and bow down. lol

[dakota]

As for me I took a lil flack earlier this year for having a 19 year old former student living with me but the comments died down after a bit.

[Bonhomme]

First, how do you present yourself? Do you wear "teen rapper clothes" or some such? There was nothing in your post about that. If you dress like Kevin Federline, don't expect to attract more mature women.

Just act mature, and dress a bit better and more mature than typical guys your age, and they'll be a bit confused, but you'll be able to get through to more mature women.

[STR8UP]

I guess I just wondered how many older guys get called a bunch of crap for dating those girls, as opposed to older ones. Oh well, I guess its cool you can play them all as in they usually listen to you, and bow down. lol

The sooner you realize that society in general is full of SH!T, the better off you will be. If I lived my life according to the standards that everyone else would try to set for me I would be a miserable SOB.

Forget about what other people think. It's usually small minded idiots who can't bother to take half a second to question what everyone else tells them or jealous haters that would LOVE to be in your shoes that try to preach what's right and what's wrong. Either way, they don't have your best interest in mind.

So the question is, do you care what the ignorant masses think about you? To me there are very few people in this world who have an opinion that matters, and I know I can count on them not to be judgemental of me over stupid preconceptions. That's why they are my friends to begin with.

[RedPill]

To add to what STR8UP is saying, the way I deal with the sheople out there who disapprove of my values/actions is to act totally cool and positive about what I'm doing. Kill 'em with kindness. It puts them in a position where they sound like total prudes or a55holes if they negatively criticize you.

I'll give you an example. I've got an uncle in his early 50s who is single. He's quite androgenous, not very DJish. Whenever we're together for a family gathering and my AFC family tries to get him to date more, I throw $20 on the table and say "this is yours if you take out a woman who's my age. Actually this goes for any of you old duffs here." He'll smile and turn red out of shyness/embarrassment and my parents will shoot me dirty looks, and someone will break the awkwardness by changing the subject, but nobody will say anything negative because I'm being totally fun about it.

Omen, I'm in the same boat as you as far as looking younger. It's definitely something to be thankful for. Whoever said the way you dress affects perception is right. You have the advantage of being able to play the youth card. If you're talking to a smokin' hot 28 year old chick, be the mature Omen who tucks in his shirt and can speak intelligently. When you're gaming a sexy looking 20 year old, play the youth card. You can have the best of both worlds for many years.

[Bvbidd]

Your only 26 just do whoever is attracted to you if it's legal.

[MacAvoy]

Well, not sweats, but workout attire, cause that's what I have to wear to work, and to personal train in, not to mention workout in, and its all on campus, so there isn't an option. I'm not about to wear jeans to take a whole other attire just for a class or two.

No one said life was easy. Being an attractive man / DJ isn't easy either. You have to work at it. With your boyish looks, your going to have to give the image of being your age. I'm sorry but I don't see too many 26 year olds walking around wearing "workout attire".

This sends the wrong message to the 26 yr old HB8. It says look at this guy, he hasn't matured yet, he's still into that youthful sport kid stuff. Its your life, you make the choice. Your the one portraying that image.

[Tazman]

I'm one of those guys that looks like a teenager at age 27. I love looking this way because I get IOI's from young and older women. Of course I can't mess with a minor but I haven't experienced any disadvantages by looking this way. I've had women from age 50 to 15 show an interest in me and I have to say I don't mind it at all. Obviously not every woman is going to like the way I look but I haven't encountered any problems so far. Older women seem to be after younger guys these days anyway.

[Latinoman]

The ONLY disadvantage I experienced in the past (I'm dark skinned...so, I truly look younger than my age and continue to look like that) was in my professional career, when I was trying to move up.

I'm 38 now...and I can look as young as my late 20s or as old as my mid 30s...everything comes down to how I dress and behave.

My point is...why worry when it comes to dating? Only worry when it comes to moving up in your career.

If you want to look older or being treated more serious (something that comes with "age")...then dress accordingly.

Note: I noticed this Forum being the one with the more males looking 10+ years under their age. If you are black or dark skin, I can see that happening frequently. Even some white men (especially the ones in their 60s looking like if they were in their 50s). But men in their 40s looking 10-15 years younger?

[Latinoman]

Another note...life is a game. Only "players" can be succesful. Play your role accordingly. If acting young is to your advantage and you have the looks to pull it out...then do it. If acting more mature or your age (by dressing and acting accordingly) is to your advantage...then do it.

I truly don't see what's the big deal.

Now, try and find a CEO type job...and find out that you might be too young (or look too young) for your career field. That sucks!

[Le Parisien]

In western countries, I'm considered to "look younger than my age". People would think I'm 21 or 22, it can be as young as 19 which of course doesn't happen a lot (There's a picture of me in my profile if you are interested...):whistle:

So I really can relate to ths looking young "issue".

I have many thoughts to share on this, but I don't know where to begin. And I don't want to make it a lengthy and boring "this is my life" topic either.
So I will just stick to a few miscellaneous facts/thoughts.

- Just like someone else already mentioned here, I'm most attracted to girls/women who physically "look like me" age wise. It can be girls my age who just like me look younger than their age, or girls who are around 22 who look their age, or younger girls who look older.

- If I had the choice, I would prefer girls my age who look younger, because we would match physique wise, as well as maturity wise. To me, I still tend to consciously or subconsciously reject the idea of going for girls around 18-20 who look older. It's kinda "wrong", guess it's my social conditioning, plus the fact that I don't want to deal with immaturity.

- I used to be real "uptight" about age when it comes to girls, not more than one year older than me, and not more than two years younger. But slowly, that age line blurred as I got older and realized that its was stupid and self-limiting, and most importantly was NOT working for me since I look "too young" for many girls of the targeted age range.

- Now the range of girls I interact with range from 21 to 29, but not a single one looks obvisouly older than 26 (my age). I've come to the conclusion that it has more to do with maturity and the stage of life they are in than the actual age. I relate well to girls who just graduated (undergrad or grad or even post-doc) and started their first serious long term job and girls who are about to do so. Some of them are 22, some of them are 28. I feel like girls who are still in the post-highschool spirit (partying like there's no tomorrow or studying in some dead-end major without thinking about afterwards etc) can't get my interest anymore as a whole package.

- Now, I'm currently going through applications for my first real long term job, at the same time, I'm "loosely" registered at a local college to improve my Spanish. The other students in my class are almost all girls, most of them are 18 to 20. I can clearly feel that they are "too young" for me, especially maturity wise. There are maybe 3 or 4 who kind of fancy me, but I guess it's partly because I'm the only guy in the room and partly because they don't know my age yet... I don't know how to put this, it's awkard and it's a weird feeling.

- Sometimes I feel weird towards girls who don't look young. Once I was at a female friend's party, one of her best friends was all over me. But it took me some time to realize that. Because although she's only 26 just like me, she looked like she was 30 or more. The apparent age gap made me subconsciously rule her out. Don't get me wrong, she's really hot. But it felt like if I met the same her 5 or 6 years from now, I would jump on the opportunity right away. But right now, no...Weird huh... I guess the fact that she probably started working at a young age and already dress and talk like a mature young woman rather than a mature girl has something to do with my perceptions...


And I guess the "acceptable" age gap changes over time. While now I would feel uncomfortable to go for some 18 year old girl, when I reach 32, I wouldn't feel uncomfortable to go for girls who are 24.

[STR8UP]

Note: I noticed this Forum being the one with the more males looking 10+ years under their age. If you are black or dark skin, I can see that happening frequently. Even some white men (especially the ones in their 60s looking like if they were in their 50s). But men in their 40s looking 10-15 years younger?

I'm white and most people are shocked when I tell them I am 34. I still get carded at least 7 out of 10 times buying alcohol. My business partner is the same way. He's almost 36 and most people think he's in his 20's.

I attribute a lot of this to having taken decent care of myself. I'm sure the fact that I dress younger and act younger also has something to do with it.

[SELF-MASTERY]

The problem might be that the 19 yo's might want a 26 y.o.

I'm also 26 and could pass as 18. One thing that has helped is cutting off all my hair, the ladies love it, it makes me luck more masculine and edgier.

I had an older chick tell me that I look more aggressive w/out hair and I have noticed more older women checking me out or was that the suit I had on yesterday? Anyway it works for me.

[Omen]

First, how do you present yourself? Do you wear "teen rapper clothes" or some such? There was nothing in your post about that. If you dress like Kevin Federline, don't expect to attract more mature women.

Just act mature, and dress a bit better and more mature than typical guys your age, and they'll be a bit confused, but you'll be able to get through to more mature women.

Nah, not even close. I wear the normal thing anyone else would wear when they go out, and when I dress for success its a shirt, tie, etc. And I unlike the teen kid can tell you that Burberry is a cologne.

Some said it could be my fitness attire, but this is only at SCHOOL. But once again let me state I HAVE to wear it. I train in the gym, work in the gym, personal train in the gym, and some classes require that attire for a lab we might do. So there are times when I can't wear anything else. And sometimes personal training could be anytime, so I just wear it all the time to school since I could spend 6hrs combined doing that stuff.

But when I do other things, I don't wear that stuff.

Le Parisien, some of those things you said fit me on occasion.

And thanks to the fact that I am very business oriented Latinoman, I don't have to worry about the job deal. I'm working on business 2, which I am the CEO and President of, so that's a plus.

"Omen, I'm in the same boat as you as far as looking younger. It's definitely something to be thankful for. Whoever said the way you dress affects perception is right. You have the advantage of being able to play the youth card. If you're talking to a smokin' hot 28 year old chick, be the mature Omen who tucks in his shirt and can speak intelligently. When you're gaming a sexy looking 20 year old, play the youth card. You can have the best of both worlds for many years."

Good thought, and I can do this. I can talk to younger girls, and play the youth card, but at the same time, I can also talk to older more mature people in general and be very smart when it comes to my business. I deal with people all over the US, and outside the US, so I have to have this down, not to mention interacting with some of these people whether talking to them, or giving a presentation. This is where all of my dressing skills come into play. I have many compliments on the way I dress (outside of school).

Also too, its not a huge deal at school in the fitness building, cause we all pretty much know one another, and either work, train, or are all working on the same degree, so you'll see everyone in that type of attire.

Its just one of those things I used to get so upset about. I would always think about how I want to settle down in the next few years, but all I seem to attract are young girls. I guess I just have to play with what I have.

[xmlenigma]

Mid late 20s. I get carded all the time.. unless I dont shave or something. If I workout and lose some of the acquired BF, i could pass for High schooler.

I had career issues where people wouldnt believe me. Dress like a MAN, talk like the MAN.

KNOW YOU ARE THE MAN. U'll get crap.. but u dont have to take it. Water over a ducks back.

[xmlenigma]

The ONLY disadvantage I experienced in the past (I'm dark skinned...so, I truly look younger than my age and continue to look like that) was in my professional career, when I was trying to move up.

I'm 38 now...and I can look as young as my late 20s or as old as my mid 30s...everything comes down to how I dress and behave.

My point is...why worry when it comes to dating? Only worry when it comes to moving up in your career.

If you want to look older or being treated more serious (something that comes with "age")...then dress accordingly.

Note: I noticed this Forum being the one with the more males looking 10+ years under their age. If you are black or dark skin, I can see that happening frequently. Even some white men (especially the ones in their 60s looking like if they were in their 50s). But men in their 40s looking 10-15 years younger?

Agree.

[Rollo Tomassi]

Heheh,..

I got carded by this HB8 who couldn't have been a a day over 22 at a local liquor store last week. I of course default to C&F since I've bought from her several times before and returned flirt off and on a few times prior.

I said "oh you're gonna flatter me this time?" as I hand her my ID, knowing she just wanted to see how old I was.

She says "no wayyyyy!" and I'm genuinely confused when she says "you're not 38!"

Then I say "Alright you caught me, I'm really 28 and I faked my license to convince young ladies I'm more mature, don't tell my wife OK?"

I get the 'fvck me' giggle from Leah (I read her name tag at this point) and she says "you don't look 38" and I say "yeah, I know." I get 'the eyes', grab my vodka and tell my wife about the whole thing over martinis.

We had some good sex that night.

heh.

[il_duce]

The beard/stubble thing definitely works well.

I'm 21, and when I shave, people often mistake me for an 18 year old. But when I'm rocking the beard, people tend to think I'm older. One girl swore she thought I was 25...shoulda seen the look on her face when I told her that I was 21. And this isn't like a full-on bushy beard, it's like if you were to go 3 days or so without shaving.

[TurboOverCubicInches]

Bro. I have the same problem. There is only one solution..

Take advantage!! Alot of my boys would love to be hittin up 18 and 19 year olds.

Another interesting thing I find, when my older looking friends try to approach 18 year olds, the 18 year olds will tell them they are too old.

BUT, when it comes to my situation, I tell them I am too old for you, I am almost 27, they say "oh....well age is just a number".

Dress has alot to do with it. If i am going to a nice 21+ club, I be sure to wear my best clothes. This makes me look more my age.

If I'm hitting up the mall or the lake, I just throw on a Hollister t shirt and some worn jeans, and I am set :-)

Why the change of heart? I think young people gravitate more towards people who look like them.

Another thing....there are plenty of girls who are 26 that are in my boat...they look like they are 18 or 19 as well.

Keep in mind, that in our situation it DOES present a disadvantage IF we are WAITING for women to approach us, but by MAKING the approach ourselves, that helpes eliminate part of the problem.

good luck

[PocketAces]

I am a succesful business man and at 28 years old, I would say probably look 24.....
not too much of a difference.....I have been told I look as old as 35 and as young as 21.....
I never get carded b/c I am a tall/muscular guy I think but definitely have a "baby face".....
It is all how you dress, project and carry yourself. I never get caught in a kids outfit. If someone asks me my age and they say, "you don't look it".....I reply with one of two lines:
"Thanks, good genetics" and smile...... this throws them off and disarms them immediately because they think you a so confident that you took theirbjective observation and made them think you just assumed it was "jst another compliment".....:woo:
My other reply is, "all my wrinkles are on the inside"....and smile again confidently.
Either of those replies gets instant respect.....
HOWEVER, if you look young and act young, dont try it.....this is for the ones that may look young but have the intelligence and persona of a confident man in his 50's.....it is all about projecting "been there, done that" even if it may not be completely true for you .....
at the end of the day, just dont take it personally.....you cant change anothers opinion of how you look....that is THEIR opinion.....but you can change their opinion about what they THINK about you.....
you may look young , but you are clearly on top of your game :box:

[TurboOverCubicInches]

Great post Pocket. Touched on alot of good points there. Good emphasis on the point of how you carry yourself and dress. If I am out around older people OR potential business contacts, i NEVER EVER dress less than mature. So important, especially for people like us who look young.

But when I'm out at beach and not against pickin up a 19 year old, I can dress down as well :-). Kinda like my secret weapon. I think as a guy who looks younger, its important to utilize this advantage, as long as you don't mind it, of course. But why would ya? :-D

Good luck Omen

[mb1978]

I'm 27...almost 28 and have always looked way younger...I have a mostly-grown in goatee now which probably helps, but I am scrawny and tall because I run and have predisposed genetics to being really thin.

Dang...so if a 19 year old says "age is just a number" to you when you make some sort of age difference comment, that's sort of a sign to go for it? :confused: