A mum has revealed how she’s often mistaken for her 14-year-old’s sister and has to show her ID to prove she’s telling the truth.
When Sandra Imiela introduces her daughter, Sophie Louise, they’re often met with eye rolls.
And it’s because people think the 39-year-old is lying; and her 14-year-old is actually her sister.
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It’s something the pair have been trying to prove over the last few years – and has resulted in a few awkward, yet funny, situations.
Sandra says while it’s flattering, it can be slightly frustrating at times.
“In casual settings, it’s no issue,” the content creator told What’s The Jam.
“But in professional situations, it can be frustrating when people don’t take you seriously or automatically assume you’re inexperienced because they think you’re much younger.
“I’m expected to be in my late 20s and so I’m treated as such.
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“I often have to explain that I’m nearly 40 before I’m treated with more respect.
“Just recently, I was scolded during a podiatrist appointment for cutting my toenails wrong and they commented that ‘young people these days don’t know how to do it properly.’
“When I told her my age, her whole attitude changed.
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“Even when I gave birth to my daughter, I could feel judgemental stares.
“Some people seemed to think I was a teenage mum, while others assumed I was her babysitter.
“One of the funniest experiences happened during a family holiday to the Philippines.
“The hotel staff assumed my husband was travelling with his young girlfriend and her little sister.
“I had to show them my ID before they believed me.”
While Sophie Louise finds the innocent mix-up funny, she does often roll her eyes when it arises.
She said: “She always says: ‘Not this again’.
“Everyone at school knows now that I’m her mum.
“But when she started there, people often assumed I was her sister or even her nanny.
“When they found out I’m actually her mum, they were surprised and curious.
“They want to know my secrets.
“I’m not sure [how it will impact our relationship as she gets older] but, by then, I’ll have a few wrinkles and look my age – and this won’t be a problem anymore.”
Sandra, from Vienna, Austria, was 26 years old when she fell pregnant with Sophie Louise.
She credits her youthful looks to ‘good old Polish genes’.
The mum-of-one said: “My mum, dad and sister all look younger than their age.
“It’s definitely not because of my diet because I’ve never been a great eater.
“I don’t eat vegetables or fruit.
“What I do have, though, is a very active lifestyle.
“I do hot pilates once-a-week and strength training four times a week.
“And when it comes to skincare, I’m very consistent.
“One thing people don’t believe is that I don’t have any Botox or fillers.
“I’m not against cosmetic treatments; I actually had both a few years ago.
“But after an allergic reaction, I’ve been hesitant to put anything in my face.
“Interestingly, I think I looked older with them in.
“So I definitely don’t need them; especially when people think I’m in my 20s anyway.”
While Sandra is proud of her sprightly appearance, it’s not something she takes for granted.
She added: “Growing older is a privilege.
“I never want to hear people complaining about a few wrinkles; it’s not the worst thing that can happen.
“For me, it’s more important to enjoy every year I’m lucky enough to have.
“I want to stay healthy, active and able to enjoy life for as long as possible.
“And if I get mistaken as a 20-year-old in the process, then win-win.”
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