I have, among others, one rather sensitive insecurity: people think I look much younger than I actually am. It's a problem that people are constantly telling me, "Oh, you'll love it in 30 years." That may be true, but I haven't learn to count it as a blessing yet.
The first time I remember this fact being brought to my attention was the first day of 6th grade. I had just entered Heritage Middle School, which is next-door to Heritage Elementary School. As I was trying to find my way around the new building, some well intentioned but mistaken teacher approached me: "You must be lost; the elementary school is one building over." I wasn't lost, although I was a bit embarrassed. But not offended.
Another memorable incident happened recently on the Bailey family vacation to North Carolina. We went to a nearby aquarium and were all waiting outside while Chris's dad purchased the entrance tickets. The ticket lady wanted to know how many of us needed "adult" tickets; the age cut-off was, I believe, 18. The conversation went as follows:
Ticket lady (pointing at Chris's younger sister, Lindsey): How old is she?
Chris's dad: 15
Ticket lady: And the other girl?
Chris's dad: Who?
Ticket lady (pointing at me): Your daughter.
Chris's dad...uncomfortable pause
Rachel (with an awkward smile): I'm 23.
Again, I was a bit embarrassed, but not offended. It happens. I wasn't wearing makeup. And I still have a "baby face" that I think won't change even when I get wrinkles.
But the customs agent at the Fort Lauderdale Airport took things way too far. I walked up to the counter with Chris and we both handed him our passports. He recognized that we were a married couple. He asked me, "How old are you?" At this point I should have said, "Hey stupid, I just handed you my passport. Why don't you calculate my age from my birthdate and stop embarrassing me?" But I just answered, "23." He said, "Really? You look 14." Then to add insult to insult, he actually got out of his chair, looked me up and down, and then changed his mind: "No, 12." I was so embarrassed I didn't know what to say. I didn't want to make a scene, I just wanted this jerk to give me back my passport as soon as possible. But it didn't stop there. Jerk proceeded to ask us what religion we were, and then ask us if we knew Warren Jeffs, and then insinuate that our situation, with me looking so young, was like Warren Jeffs' marriage arrangements between young girls and older men.
This time, I was definitely offended. Chris was so angry. I wish I could remember Jerk's name so I could call his supervisor. But instead, I'm just writing this bitter blog. It makes me feel only marginally better. So the next time you go through customs in Fort Laurderdale, don't tell anyone your age.
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7 comments:
I kinda want to know what Chris said.
The next time I see you, I'll tell you.
how obnoxious and completely disrespectful and just flat out mean! i'm saying that word right now just reading about it...
How rude!
Okay, so I know we already talked about this, but, good story. Chris makes me laugh, just thinking about him and his funny way of saying things. Now you on the other hand, you don't make me laugh, you crack me up! Love you.
Wow. If it makes you feel any better, I never thought you looked young. I always just assumed you were about my age. Since you actually are a little younger, maybe that means I thought you were older than you are! :)
Man, how dumb can people be? You don't look THAT young. You look like you're in your early 20's, which you are. Some people have no idea how to guess ages. Someone once thought my best friend was my dad's wife. He has grey hair and is 28 years older than her. She was 16 at the time. Dumb.
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