The person in question also looks like she’s in her early 20’s. She had a chronic condition where she was basically in a waking coma but wasn’t “experiencing” stuff for a decade so it’s as if time had jumped from her POV because she has no memories of that period.

This gap is so disorienting for her that she identifies her age as 22. Being told her actual birth year causes confusion and distress, as it clashes with her sense of time and personal experience.

  • Mothra@mander.xyz
    3·
    4 days ago

    There isn’t a lot of difference between a 22 and someone in their 30s, personality wise. People usually become a bit less impulsive, a bit more respectful of others, and overall they have less energy and more responsibilities so this tones down any activities like clubbing or whatever. But the change is small. To throw some numbers out of my arse, if you are at 100% in your early 20s then you are probably operating at 80% during your 30s.

    But the personality doesn’t change. If someone is particularly childish they may continue to be so and will naturally gravitate towards similar people. Sometimes life places you in a younger crowd; I’ve returned to study in my early 30s and most of my classmates were in their early 20s. Yes we hung out together. Nobody had a problem with my age and I didn’t have a problem with theirs.

    I find that what you have going on in life is more important than your age when it comes to relating to other people. I am single. I’ve met some really nice people while studying who were my age or older, and they had families to take care of. It’s a different game. They have less time available, and it’s easier for them to relate to others in a similar life stage.

    You say this person missed out on their early 20s and that’s perfectly understandable as a reason to want to stick with younger people. Like I said, you mingle with people in a similar life stage.

    So no it’s not necessarily creepy to stick with a much younger crowd than yourself.

    Now, if you are getting creepy vibes from this person, pay attention, because they may very well be a creep. Are they stalking others in the group? Manipulating them? Are they being too lewd or inappropriate in some way? Are they doing things that put the safety of others at risk? What’s bothering you, other than the age?