I'm so sorry this bothers you and has an effect on how you feel about yourself. Looking young does have it's advantages, especially as you age. I too looked young, and still do! I'm 57 and pass for 40 all the time. (But I love telling ppl my actual age!)

Our drinking age is 21 and my son was carded until he was 35! Maybe this saying will help you feel better about yourself if you will remember it. My mom told me this as a child:

"KS you are not better than anyone else, but you are just as good!"

My self-esteem rises when I think of her wise words from my childhood. She is 90 now and does not remember them all, but many resonate in my brain when a situation comes up, just like the quote I just repeated. I shall try to carry on her wisdom.

Be happy, dear EglantineRose. You are just as good as anybody else, always.