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I know the subject of age difference has come up a few times here. However, I'm curious. What would be your response when a much younger person tells you he/she is interested in getting to know you or having a relationship with you? Much younger, can be 15 or more years younger or half your age, or whatever you would consider to be much younger than you.

When that happens to me, my first thoughts would be that I would be messing up his life if we were to have a relationship. He has so much more life potential and future left ahead of him than a middle aged woman like me. He should be with his own kind and have fun and enjoy being young. I don't look my age so on many occasions younger people think I'm actually their age. And I would think, "I'm old enough to be your mother!!!". I mean, I do enjoy people of all ages (as long as they are of legal age) but these thoughts are always at the back of my mind.

graceylou 8 Aug 5
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79 comments

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1

there are so many factors to consider in this question. I think that, for you as a lady,you would have less negative feedback to deal with from those around you, than I would as a man if I dated someone fifteen years my junior. But, aside from the social implications,as long as the other person is mature, and the relationship is healthy, I don't see any issues. But each of those are huge questions all on their own, andhard to gague while being the one involved.

I know - not any real help here - but its a question that really only those involved can answer.

2

I would say something along the lines of: "I appreciate your interest, however, I do not think it will be something that will work out in the long-term. I just don't think we really do have much in common."

1

I have an admirer who is a good 24-25 years younger than I am, and I would pursue her in a second if she were single (there's always a catch, isn't there?). I draw the line when the age difference can be expressed in double her age or more. What in the world would we talk about, after she got done laughing at my old body? You're right, it's generally not the best idea. But you never know until you try, right?

4

Maybe it’s different for ‘older’ women, but I would be suspicious if a much younger woman said she was interested in me. I can’t get women my own age to notice me.

1

I was 32...she was 20 (twelve years difference) She pursued me until I married her. However, many people would guess may age as less than hers. At a wedding one time, a guest (mature female), was astonished that we were man and wife...she said I did not look old enough to be married, guessed my age as "14". We had three children together in the ten years we were together. The divorce had nothing to do with our age difference...she just wanted to return the promiscuity, drunkenness, and drug use of her high school days (which I knew nothing of before I married her). She found normal marriage to be boring.

2

Chance would be a fine thing. I will let you know if it ever happens

2

I've had one marriage and several relationships with men who were younger than myself.
I've had several relationships with older men.
Age really can be an issue, if it's allowed to be.
It doesn't have to be, but there will always be those, outside the relationship,
who will feel compelled to 'contribute' their two-cents about it.

People are always going to talk, make snide comments, have negative attitudes,
tell rude jokes.

You (and your partner) can either let it bother you, or not.

6

In general, if I were into short term, a younger man would be ok. For a serious relationship, it would be difficult to imagine having a compatible mindset with a younger man. Anything is possible though and I wouldn't necessarily rule out anybody within say, 15 years.

I think age difference is more important during younger years. Seems like a an 18 year old and a 28 year old would be in relatively different places in their lives compared to a 48 year old and a 58 year old. Young people are facing a lot more life changes - education, career, family, while an older person is usually in a more settled state.

Yes, absolutely true. My bf is 27 currently and I'm 47. We've been together 2 years. He pursued me relentlessly though I wasn't interested in someone so young. At his age, he's old enough to have his own career and kids. May be that is my issue here, that he's at that age where many men would start thinking of getting married and having families. That sort of thing will not ever happen with me. He knows all that.

2

15 years younger or half my age? She would be 16-17 years old.

My response: GET AWAY!!!!

I did say the definition of much younger varies.

Half your age and then plus 7. For someone who is 32, the younger age becomes 23. For someone who is 20, the younger age becomes 17. Personally IMO, once the younger becomes 21 or older, it's a matter of maturity.

4

I read somewhere that the following is an accepted guideline for age difference for a male anyway.. but of course it depends on the couple..

Acceptable age difference is half your age +7

Who is setting the 'acceptable' boundary? I'm neither agreeing or disagreeing, however I am curious who the 'acceptable' monitor is?

I have heard of that. But yeah, who decides that.

@patchoullijulie @gracielou

It's just taken off the internet..can't for the life of me remember where..but it doesn't really matter..it was only a guide..and I think within reason two consenting adults can do pretty much what they please..and they certainly do..

@Hitchens Absolutely and yes they do! 😀

2

Well for me that should happen when pigs fly so if it ever comes up I'll let you know

2

It's not the number of years, it's the ratio between ages.

5

Let the other person decide what is best for their own life...women live longer than men and you could have a wonderful life together....why would you be ruining anyone's life if he wants to be with you? The only consideration is if he wants children...in that case, that will be something he has to deal with from the beginning. Things do change, but being middle aged is not a reason to not let love happen.

Good answer.

3

Been there done that. I look younger than my age-have always dated younger. I am friends with my last bf who was 25 years younger. I have found love here with Dan who is close to my age. Do what feels right to you. Timing is everything.

2

My relationships have almost all been with women who were either several years older or several years younger, and it has never been a factor in either the attraction or the separation. To your specific point, dating a woman half my age would be a positive experience for her. She would learn about chivalry. She would be at ease with ordering the most expensive thing on the menu, and not feel obligated if she did so. She would be with somebody who is delighted to be seen with her. She would learn what it is like to truly be appreciated.

I've had the same experience with much older men myself, and prefer them. I'm not normally into much younger men. In their 30s or early 40s are fine, but in their 20s is a bit much too young usually for me.

2

I personally prefer older women, I have done the part thing I have gone out and been wild. I prefer someone more down to earth and tend to relate a little better with aomeone older than myself.

When I am approched by younger, my first thoughts usually go to what kind of craziness will I have to deal with and would they really want to stay in on a Friday.

I've met quite a few younger men who prefer more mature women. I don't see anything strange about that because normally I would be interested in much older men.

1

I'd be open to meeting a much younger man, but I've dated a few and it wasn't the greatest experience. Now a significantly older man would concern me. I realize life has no guarantees, but the odds are not great for a long term relationship.

1

better to over think than under at least you are then somewhat prepared for future issues its trite but do what makes you happy if an age difference isnt a problem for either then fck it

0

The last time I was involved with someone much younger, it just didn't work. He was at a point where he wanted to start a family, and I was too old, physically, to birth more children. I also think it's unfair to children to have them too late in life. You set the stage for your partner and children to lose wife or mother early in life.

0

Sure younger women are quite appealing but if I'm old enough to be their father I just can't see anything meaningful resulting. I yearn for a meaningful relationship!

1

At my current age the lowest I think I could go for a long term relationship is 21. Can’t be the guy goin “sorry but my girlfriend can’t get into the bar let’s go to Fridays instead.” It’s also worth remembering that no ones prefrontal cortex/impulse control is fully developed until they’re 25. So if you’re in your 30s or especially 40s I’d try not to go much lower than 25. I mean if you’re not in a position of authority over them and an 18-24 year old wants to hook up, good luck stopping yourself and I probably wouldn’t blame you. But I’m not gonna be terribly optimistic about trying to make a relationship of it.

I lost my virginity to a 31 year old lady when I was 18 and that’s a fantastic combo if you want to break a bed; both genders in their sexual prime; you really need to clear out your schedule for a few days to see where that goes at least once in your life ladies. If you can’t find a good man, raise one, amirite? Lol. I don’t think it would have worked out as a long term relationship though, as badly as we wanted it to. There are exceptions though and for as hard of a time as I’ve had finding love ever since, I’m in favor of casting a wide net. As long as everyone’s health n happiness are augmented rather than detracted from, I see nothing wrong with most legal age gaps. It can be pretty hot for sure.

It might just be because of my current age but I do have sort of a mental double standard where, beyond a decade gap, it’s infinitely less creepy if the woman is older. I mean old men creep me out and they’re not even trying to fuck me, so I guess I just feel extra bad for young ladies. If they’re with a much older guy it usually seems like it’s about money/security/daddy issues, but whatever floats ya boat. I’m not here to judge.

You cracked me up! Great answer and with brilliant thought behind it!
I agree with you on the double standard when hearing it from the "other side" perspective but being on the other, other side and FEELING it, that is different! I joke that if they are too young to get the Mrs. Robinson reference then they are to young! Tho it is very flattering it can also make a girl feel a little...selfish(?) I can't quite grab the right feeling... I have a friend who is almost 15 years younger than me and after we both realized there was a physical attraction in addition to emotional connection it did change things a bit. I had to think about him not ever having children of his own, my daughter is an adult and I am no longer able to have any. He wouldn't be able to experience that joy! Another big one was, what happens in another 10-15 years when I don't want to or feel like doing the same type of things I'm doing now?! Should he have to slow down just because I do? And what if he finds that boring? It would break my heart.
We had some fun through the years and still remain close friends but there was an unspoken understanding that a long-term relationship was unrealistic.

0

Run for the hills. She's obviously a gold-digger.
And.. linda would undoubtedly set Zorak the Wonder Dog on her.

4

My best friend and lover is 21 years younger than me. Personally, I love it when younger women want me. Hell, I love it when women of almost any age want me. 🙂

Mine's 20 and some odd months younger. Some days we are at par. Some days I feel like I'm housetraining a puppy dog. Puppies are cute but could be a handful.

1

As long as it's not too much of an age difference I'm open to it. It's mental and emotional age that matters to me for the most part.

1

Whatever and whomever you are comfortable with.l don't think you are too old for me at all. ?

You aren't too old for me either. LOL.

@graceylou A sweet answer. ?

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