I look young, too--enough that I still get carded for alcohol and R movies--but I think my mannerisms, which are insecure and shy, probably contribute to the effect.

I often tell T that I feel 11--which is the age the abuse got bad. It always unnerves me when he says things like, "You are an adult woman who is experiencing X," because I still don't feel adult, even with a mortgage and loans and a job. I don't act like a kid; I am capable and professional and never babyish, but I certainly FEEL like a kid.