Difficulty in Believing Grandmother was Once Young and Pretty

Lack of Physical Evidence
- One reason it was hard to believe that the grandmother had once been young and pretty is the lack of physical evidence. As the narrator describes her, she is portrayed as a frail, old woman with wrinkles and gray hair. This stark contrast between her current appearance and the image of a young, attractive woman makes it difficult to imagine her any other way.

Grandmother's Persona
- Another factor contributing to the disbelief is the grandmother's demeanor and behavior. She is depicted as a traditional, conservative figure who embodies the values of a bygone era. Her strict adherence to customs and principles, along with her reserved nature, makes it challenging to envision her as a vibrant, youthful woman.

Generational Divide
- The generational gap between the grandmother and the narrator also plays a role in the disbelief. The narrator's perception of the grandmother is shaped by their current relationship and interactions, which are based on the grandmother's elderly status. This limited view prevents the narrator from seeing her in any other light.

Family Stories and Anecdotes
- Additionally, the lack of family stories or anecdotes about the grandmother's youth contributes to the skepticism. Without any personal accounts or visual representations of her younger days, it becomes challenging to reconcile the image of the grandmother as she is now with the idea of her being once young and pretty.
Overall, the combination of physical appearance, demeanor, generational differences, and lack of personal stories makes it hard to believe that the grandmother had a youthful and attractive past.