Not aging is getting old

This afternoon I was trying to put Rebecca down for a nap when someone rang the doorbell three times and knocked very loudly. (I used to have a sign over the doorbell prohibiting such interruptions, but it must have fallen off at some point.) I left her in her crib to play quietly while I answered the door. The solicitor said, "Is your mom or dad home?" I said, "My parents don't live here." She said, "Oh! Are you the lady of the house?" "I am," I said with my best stonefaced look. "Well, you look so young!" "I'm twenty-seven." (With a shocked look:) "Well you look like you're seventeen!" "I know." "Well, do you want to have your carpets cleaned for free?" "Normally I might be interested, but I'm trying to put my six-month-old baby to sleep." (I smile and close the door.)

My parents have been telling me for years that one day I will appreciate looking younger than I am. That day hasn't come yet. It sure gets old hearing people say that I look seventeen (that particular number seems to come up a lot). Most of the time it's not a big deal, but sometimes it feels like people are condescending towards me because I look so young.