Anti-aging Field Work

I've come to discover that most of the people I meet here tend to think of me as being a lot younger than I actually am. Although I'm 30 years old now, people have said on many occasions that they thought I was in my early 20s (the youngest to date is 22 - thank you Joy!). While this is fabulous for my ego (!!!) I've begun to wonder what it is that makes this happen.

After thinking on it, I've decided it must be one of three reasons:
1. I actually look 22...just kidding
2. I'm not married and I live on my own which makes me appear younger to certain people (see earlier blogs for more details)
3. I don't know the language very well and I cannot articulate myself as well as I would like to (or sometimes at all). Thus, I often use simple words which can make me appear younger regardless of how I look.

In my opinion, I think the last possibility is the most probable. When someone learns that I cannot speak the language very well I receive different reactions including sympathy, annoyance or sometimes dismissal; for the most part however, people feel the need to try and help me. Being unable to speak the language very well, I constantly feel like a student of the language with everyone around me -regardless of age-being my teacher. It's an interesting position to find myself in. While I don't mind being a student (I've been one for over 10 years now) I wouldn't mind growing up a bit in the eyes of others. I can't wait until I can skilfully converse in meaningful ways. But hey, if I ever get too frustrated I should just remind myself that doing fieldwork is good for the appearance...at least that's what everyone's telling me!