What does it take to get others to treat you as an adult?

[Drummer Ben]

I can't equate the formula as to what makes those treat you as an adult. I'll be graduating high school at 18 this year and moving on to college and I can say no matter what I do, no teacher, neighbor, stranger who's 30+ gives late teens early 20's with any amount of respect. It almost seems the older they are the worse it gets. I would love to have educated discussion with the old and wise but I get laughed off the stage whenever I try. Almost like, "kid go away, you wouldn't understand. I'm tired of being treated as a lesser human being. At least when I was 8 I didn't have any stringent responsibilities, the blame could be I was just young. Now you have the responsibility and adults still give you no respect. I am starting to grow longer hair and that may come off as immature. But hey, all these adults had long hair in the 70's. Now it's unacceptable?

[Ridonks_CB]

The change gap between us and our parents ages is just so large that a lot of the time they just don't really understand. I also feel that many adults tend to forget that they were kids too :-/
As for trying to engage into an educated discussion, just show them what you're made of. If they try to laugh you off the stage yet again, retort back to them, prove you're more mature than them for not discriminating as they're doing. And for your hair, do whatever you'd like with it! The only reason anyone in a professional setting should have a problem with it is if it's untidy and not well groomed, though besides that there shouldn't be a fuss: keep it as you like :)

[Drummer Ben]

Thanks, I've been told that the reason is those who have more experince than I will tend to look down on those new to the concept of adult responcibilites. I feel I reach out to adults trying to show my respect in the hopes they'll return the favor. My age always turns them off. There are a few rare occasions that an adult wants to teach, pass on there knowledge and I really respect that. It's not good to keep everything bottled inside. Once your gone, your gone and it's good to know you've passed on your knowledge.

[Drummer Ben]

It is a rather odd age group 18-21. You don't really fit in with the younger teens nor the older adults.

[Ridonks_CB]

Though I am still only 15, I do sometimes feel the way you are. I'm not saying I know exactly how you feel at the moment, but I'm not taken very seriously when I voice my opinions to adults, because they don't believe a 15 year old girl can be politically active or insightful about the world. Sometimes it's irritating yet other times I can't help but feel pleasured in knowing that my age doesn't stand in the way of my abilities to know more than adults :) The same goes to you

[Kacey]

Responding to the title without reading the details: To be treated as an adult, you must first act as an adult.
After reading: You ARE still a high school/college student, and in today's society, that is looked upon as immature generally. Besides that, I think my previous advice can apply here. The hair isn't that much of the problem. It depends on the person really.

[SWEET_SARAH]

It takes time. When you make mistakes people trust you a lot less and it sucks but hang in there. Love, Hope and forgiveness can solve any problem. Oh and God!! :) Stay positive!!

[Babs]

Act like one. 'Course, that only works when you're not speaking to condescending pricks.

[Uniquemind]

Money, and an equal intellect on par with an adult's.

[tiffany1]

act like a grown up :)

[eightpointhunter]

Act like one. 'Course, that only works when you're not speaking to condescending pricks.

Amen!!!