17 Again

I turned 27 and suddenly look 17.

Or so it seems.

I've been ID'd so many times in the last few weeks that I'm convinced I'm getting younger rather than older as time passes.

ID'd 3 times at the same wedding.
ID'd for alcohol... every single time I try to purchase.

And the icing on the cake was the day I got ID'd for ENTRY TO THE GALLERIA MALL!

(I still don't understand how it's LEGAL do deny people entry to the mall because of their age, but regardless, I do not look under 18)!

While it's flattering, my issue comes with the obvious lack of respect people seem to have for us "kids."

I've been stared at by store clerks who want my ID rather than outright asked because apparently, "I should know better."

I was poked fun of at a comedy club this past weekend for not being "old enough to remember when TVs didn't have remotes or what it was like to change the channel with a wrench."

Well, Buddy (Flip) I might not be old enough, but I was certainly POOR enough to know.

My early 20's were spent with a TV older than my parents because that was what I could afford. Forget not having a remote, my gem of an entertainment center was so archaic that the "volume down" button TURNED THE TELEVISION OFF.

We're taught to respect our elders, but I wonder why we're not entitled to respect in return simply because we're people too, regardless of how young we look.

As someone who has supported herself for nearly a decade, purchased her own college education (and base model Chevy Cobalt) I'd like to be treated like an adult while I'm out in the world. Because I don't ask for hand outs and no one pays my rent but me.

But... of course that's a lot to explain to the store clerks or mall cops.

Quite honestly, at this point in my life I'm almost looking forward to the day I'll have a wrinkle or two.

Because at least then, those tiny dry lines will be the only proof I'll need in order to gain a little respect.

And the ID can finally stay at home.