Do people see lalafells as children?

[RichardButte]

there may be a similar obstacle of doubt created in the mind of the Lalafell by what makes them different from their love interest.

Now that you mention it, the movie "Freaks" actually covers almost exactly how this might play out: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freaks

Basically, it's a lalafell-sized man who's in a relationship with a lalafell-sized woman, but inherits a large amount of money and leaves her for a "normal" woman (who plots to kill him for the money, but that's not how I envisioned this going down).

I mean, the movie is called "Freaks" partially because it's set on Earth where being a little person isn't the norm, whereas lalafells are just another common race of Eorzea so there's not as much precedent.

Still, there was that one quest in Camp Bronze Lake where there was a gay couple (highlander man and a man'qote) who were shunned by the highlander's family because he was in a relationship with a cat person (not for being gay), but that's one of the few instances I can recall of any evidence of actual racism in XIV.

If it were more common, it would make a good deal more sense for a lalafell to doubt if a tallfolk female is right for him, but pretty much every lecherous lalafell you encounter in the game is interested only in non-lalafell women.

[Kazrah]

Still, there was that one quest in Camp Bronze Lake where there was a gay couple (highlander man and a man'qote) who were shunned by the highlander's family because he was in a relationship with a cat person (not for being gay), but that's one of the few instances I can recall of any evidence of actual racism in XIV.

That case could also be that even SE hates man'qotes.....or maybe there's some story excuse about how a man'qote wouldn't be as much of a social benefit outside of a tribe.

Lalafell wouldn't normally have such a dilemma either way because despite some evil ones, they are still generally loved and appreciated by other races. Plus Lalafell are either filthy rich or in a state in which money is a non-issue, both of which would make them more desirable in society.

[BunnyChain]

People will find anything weird regardless. If you want to make it, just do it. You shouldn't be concerned about that unless you are trying to sell it to a client, imo. From what I've learned people can't see past appearances; a miqo'te wearing little - wench, a lalafell anything - child. Yes, I'm making use of common tropes here. Lorewise they are not, PCs are a case to case issue. Certain faces, hairstyles, choice of clothing and dye and behaviour can make one appear younger, regardless of race. I'd argue that a good portion of female miqo'te, au ra and midlanders look underage.