I’m nearly 40 but people always mistake me for my 14-year-old daughter’s sister

Looking too young has its downsides for one mother approaching 40, who constantly gets mistaken for a woman in her late 20s – and even has to flash her ID to prove she is not her 14-year-old daughter’s classmate.

Sandra Imiela, from Vienna, Austria, was 26 when she became pregnant with Sophie Louise. 

Now, almost 15 years on, the pair regularly leave strangers bewildered by looking more like sisters than mother and daughter. 

The mix-ups have become a regular part of their lives over the past few years, leading to several awkward but funny situations. 

While Sandra finds the comments flattering, she says they can also be frustrating.

Speaking to creatorzine.com, she said: ‘In casual settings, it’s no issue. 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. I often have to explain that I’m nearly 40 before I’m treated with more respect.’

The mother recalled a recent visit to a podiatrist who had scolded her about the way she had cut her own toenails. 

She said: ‘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.’ 

Sandra has faced similar assumptions before – even as far back as when she gave birth.

When Sophie Louise was born, Sandra revealed she could ‘feel judgmental stares’ from strangers who assumed she was a teenage mum, while others believed she was her child’s babysitter. 

One of the most hilarious moments occurred during a family trip to the Philippines, where hotel staff mistook Sandra’s husband for a man travelling with his young girlfriend and her sister. 

She added: ‘I had to show them my ID before they believed me.’  

Socialising at the school gates became another hurdle for the mother, having initially been mistaken for Sophie Louise’s nanny by other parents. 

Sandra continued: ‘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 largely credits her youthful appearance down to ‘good old Polish genes’, explaining that her parents and sister also look younger than their age. 

She admits she has never had the healthiest diet and rarely eats fruit or vegetables, but insists she stays active by doing hot Pilates once a week and strength training four times a week, all while sticking to a ‘consistent’ skincare routine. 

The mother added: ‘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.’

Despite often being mistaken for someone much younger than her age, Sandra says she doesn’t take her appearance for granted. 

She said: ‘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.’