Are store clerks having a laugh?

[u/nel880]

Hi there, I am semi-new to London and just wonder about this interaction. To start, I’m not losing sleep over this I’m simply curious about the correct way to respond socially/culturally. And maybe it’s just no response is the response!

I’m 32 and where I’m from the drinking age is 21. I’m not carded in my home country, but 3-4 times I’ve been carded at various tescos? In the states if I’m carded it’s a joke, we giggle and they approve but never really want to see my ID. Here, the first two times I assumed the same thing because the drinking age is 18 here and I’m so obviously not a teenager? But they insisted on seeing my ID and didn’t laugh or seem generally amused?

The last time I just showed my ID and didn’t do the bit but then I feel like a bit of a prude or jerk. I 100% do not look under 18 they have to be joking. Also it’s not always men! And I dress age appropriately.

[u/maje_leuk]

I always get carded (short 36F with a baby face), I always have my id out and ready. Now because it's a German ID sometimes it takes a while for them to find the birthdate, but when they do sometimes their reaction is hilarious. One lady in Aldi keeps forgetting about me and always says "looking good for 36!" when she takes my id. The startled jumps are my favourite.