u/literallyaturret

This happened years ago but I was recently reminded of it.

Growing up there was a local gym that my mom loved and went to for years. One day, when I was freshly 12, she decided to bring me along. For context, literally every worker at this gym was female (as am I) since it was advertised for women. These workers typically wore black leggings or shorts with a branded t-shirt stating the name of the gym, these shirts could be any color, and the workers were always located at the front lobby. Also they were typically college aged or past college aged, as the gym didn't like hiring younger people.

My mom had left for a second, so I was alone in the main gym with all the equipment. I was wearing black leggings and a bright pink shirt with the name of my prior middle school on it, a very popular middle school for our area. A lady walks in, passes through the front lobby, and heads straight for me, the 12 year old standing awkwardly alone. She asks a question about the cost of some equipment rental, to which I answer "I don't know" and then she asks if I work there, "no, sorry". She just says "oh" and then immediately turns and leaves, once again passing through the front lobby with an actual worker right there, branded shirt and all.

I'm much older now, but thinking back on it.. I definitely looked 12.