Being called “buddy” or “boss” by other men
I can’t help but notice a lot of the men in my life - coworkers, casual acquaintances, etc., call me “buddy” or “boss” in a patronizing tone that would normally be used with much younger men.
I don’t necessarily mind this coming from much older acquaintances that are genuinely looking out for me, but I *do* mind it coming from men around my age, and from men that I know view me as inexperienced and/or meek.
I am now in my thirties and being subtly infantilized by so many people around me is really starting to drive me up a wall.
I’m really at a loss for what to do about this because my asthma keeps me from consistently projecting my voice in a confident manner, and I look much younger than I actually am. I grew a full beard to help myself look a little older. I’ve taken up a workout regimen in the hopes that having a larger chest + shoulders + arms might get people to subconsciously view me as older and more confident. It’s gonna be a long ass journey, though.