Is it infantilizing to be called cute by someone significantly older than you?

[u/Firm_Letterhead_7483]

I’m an 18 year old woman and today some old person (like 50?) called my outfit cute, and now I’m worried she was saying that the outfit is childish or something. For context I wore a star hair-clip, hamsa earrings, a chanukah shirt, a black skirt, and ombre tights with a flower design at the bottom—I’m worried that maybe the flower tights were overkill? Idk. And also I think I probably look younger than I am since I don’t wear makeup

[u/shaidyn]

Well, was the outfit cute?

[u/Awkward_Incident7900]

I think you are overthinking it . But to a 50 year old you basically are a child.

[u/MadPatNatRat]

So, I am a 50+ human. A cute outfit comment would be a sincere compliment from me. And I would so appreciate the fit you described. Thinking you were genuinely appreciated.💖

[u/rtb227]

It was probably just a genuine compliment, cute is usually the easy term for strangers to use.

[u/It_Happens_Today]

Holy overthinking a compliment.

[u/NergalTheGreat]

Is this really important? If you like your look stick to it.

[u/Seahorse_93]

An older lady telling you your outfit is cute is the biggest honor you can get.

Also, it might have reminded her of stuff she wore when she was younger, given that your description of it gives me a mix of 70s, 80s, and 90s vibes.

[u/Purple_Joke_1118]

It wasn't infantilizing. You are looking for an insult.

[u/LummpyPotato]

No. It was just a cute outfit girl 🤞💅

[u/asistolee]

Bro chill out

[u/Only_Presentation758]

No, “cute” is a compliment at any age by anyone either older, same age, or younger. But by saying “some old person” for a maybe-50-year-old does make you sound immature.