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.

Good Grief. We sure do conjure up enough barriers in our minds, don't we? And guess what - what's going on inside my head and your heads IS NOT REAL.

Ageism to me is bigotry writ large. Now I'm sure I'll get a barrage of, "Well, this is what happened to me..." - and you know what? It doesn't matter what happened to somebody else.

Age is just a number. Race is scientifically irrelevant. If a person is brave enough to express interest in you, why should you do anything but be smart, listen and learn about that person. Prejudging them is so, well, religious.

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.

I prefer men my own age or close to it. I also look young for my age. I've been pursued by men old enough to be my father, but more often by men young enough to be my son. I think the super young ones are sometimes looking for a sugar mama. Not interested in that. I have a son I could spoil, but want him to make it on his own.

The lopsided age thing can be fun in the short term, but from my experiences, the intentions were not always honorable. If you've got something real, then enjoy it. If you feel something's not quite right, and you are hesitating, then you might be right. Every case is different.

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.

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.

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.

Some say age is just a number, but reality has shown me that age also often reflects a level of emotional and physical development. This view is not meant to seem a negative, but it is a reality which i needed to learn once upon a time.

Since my late 20s, i have had relationships with younger women. and as i got older, the age differences widened, not on purpose, but due to circumstances and my passions.

I have always lead a very active lifestyle, which attracted me to people who shared and wanted to share those passions with me. I loved and still love biking, hiking, white-water river rafting, with a list which goes on and on. The women my own age who were attracted to me seemed to be focused on things which had little or no interest to me; things like security, stability, and developing family.

By my 50s however, i realized that most of the younger women ultimately wanted to have families and children. Something which i never had time for, or the inclination to participate in. I also began to observe how i had served as a stepping stone for the younger partners in my life. In fact, i had served as a transitional change agent and a learning opportunity to all of them, every one of whom moved on after we separated to live the life of their dreams, whatever that meant. Since i have continued to stay in touch with many of my friends and partners since my 30s, I have also been privileged to hear and see what life has been like for them since we parted.

People in their 20s, as i was at that age, are still exploring, developing, evolving, and changing which is something i learned the hard way, and sometimes painfully. But i made my beds, so to speak, so i had to lie in them.

No regrets and reams of wonderful memories which will never disappear. Until i reach the dementia stage at least. LLOL

Actually, i bumped into an ex-partner just a few months ago. Karen and i had lived together about 30 years ago and i hadn't had any contact with her since the mid 1980s. She was now a grandmother, was still a beautiful person, and according to her, still also had fond memories about the great times and adventures we had shared. At the time, she was about 20 years younger than i had been. The unexpected meeting gave me a wonderfully warm glow in my heart.

What's interesting is my own evolution. These days, since my mid-60s in fact, I have found myself more attracted to interesting women who have extensive and eclectic experiences. They're much more fun and interesting, with or without the sexual options. And as i'm moving into my 70s, they're often older than i am.

If that someone can hold up their end of a good conversation , they're welcome !

At 70, I just had run ins with two 65 yo women, who were incredibly immature and biased and critical of the most absurd things. I know a 50 yo who thinks I am great on many levels, but has an ageist, almost racist attitude about our 20 year difference. I am fitter than she;have much more formal and informal education than she, but she has no interest in me as a man. I am acquainted with a 23 yo athiest woman with whom I have the most amazing connection, and even her mother was taken with our connection and thought we would be together if we were similar in age. In short, I believe age is just a number where psychological/emotional/cultural/educational compatibility is concerned. Age can matter for health reasons. As a Jack Lalanne Clone, even at the age of 70 ,very few men or women match my fitness. This is probably my biggest problem. The women who could be companions for me are much younger and almost none are interested even though I can beat them in a race up Mt Washington or in a pushup or burpee contest. Any 60 year olds with a pulse want to take a chance. Not just another pretty face, too.

My response is incredulity and a high degree of suspicion. I try not to let my overall cynicism on the subject of men in their 30's getting with women in their 50's interfere too much with my sloppy crush on Emmanuel Macron. But in real life I am most comfortable considering someone within 5 years of my age over or under. I don't want to be someone's sexy mom or someone's nurse. I aspire to be someone's equal and go through what's left of our lives together.

At 65, 15 years either way is no big deal.There are women of 80+ in my wife's Ageless Dancer class. Sharp as tacks.

I have little sexual interest in young women. Not that i would refuse the experience, but i would not pursue such. I enjoy mature women more; as they look, and as their experience is reflected in all things important.

To carry on a romantic involvement with someone 30 years younger might work, but would be a bit strange. Meeting her friends. The topics of conversation and concern, no doubt way too unsophisticated for me to tolerate wasting what little time i have left. Yet, I might have a bit of fun extolling my viewpoints of history and what is important. Might corrupt one or two.

UNLESS the relationship was based in work; music, writing, and other art stuff. Then, it would be probable that others of all ages would be part of her circle, as they are of mine. And i would know that both of us would be learning. And any close encounters would be born of our mutual interests.

I have many women friends, without benefits.Always have. Just as my wife has always had many male friend. 'Tis a result of being around arty types. One of my long-time friends is a woman i met in 92. She is older than me. We have great conversations over hours long lunches..

I have approached a few local youngins for some ongoing conversation. Some success and some not.

Was i rejected because of may age? Sad for them. Rejected because i am married? Sad for them. Rejected because it is "obvious" that an old dude is only interested in a young thing for physical activity. Their loss.

I am older. A younger person can learn much from me, about a multitude of subjects.

As we get older we should feel obligated to find students to teach, and to learn from. What have we learned that should be conveyed to those you should avoid what we have done? That is the question for all of us at all ages.

So, if a younin is yearnin to learn, they should be taken allowed to.

Yet: I also know "falling in love" is a silly proposition when the age spread is wide.

Celine Dion was married at 19 to a man 26 years older. And is now involved with a man 17 years younger. Good for her. And both of the men.

::: I know this is the man in me talking here:::: If a young man is interested in a woman of any age, he should be used and taught.

To be very honest i would not mind having you for a friend

I prefer older men, 10-20 years older. 3-5 years younger is my limit. I’m usually just honest with them and tell them I’m not into younger men but know many women are and wish them luck

Relationships don’t have to be perfect. The gap might be an issue in some areas. But if you enjoy each other’s company then cutting off an avenue to being happy helps no one. My first serious relationship was with a woman 9 years my senior (I was 19, don’t call the cops ?). It was one of the most informative experiences of my life, making me appreciate what relationships could be or shouldn’t be.

If there’s trust, joy and security between you both then see where it leads.

I am 64 and do not approach anyone for dating under 50. Now I will talk to women yunger than that but it is just to talk and freindship. I would tell them if the subject came up I am too old for them. If they go further thry need to be in their mid 30s or older. But to go out and have a good time does not mean being in a relationship. As long as in there 20s go have fun.

So you like each other. You are adults. Stop worrying and enjoy yourselves! Easy!

I've always been an "old soul", whatever that means, and I've always associated with older people because I've always shared more with them in common.

Not opposed to dating someone my age or younger, but there has to be a connection.

I've always been an "old soul", whatever that means, and I've always associated with older people because I've always shared more with them in common.

Not opposed to dating someone my age or younger, but there has to be a connection.

My future ex wife is 16 years younger than me. The age gap made no difference at all, the problem was she was as mad as March hare. But having said that at the age of 58 I wouldn't, or it wouldn't cross my mind to, date a woman who was 74.
Age is irrelevant, other factors are in play

I don't believe age should be an issue. What you share in commonality and how compatible you are is what matters

I think as long as the person is in the same stage of life (e.g. open to have kids vs kids are part of your daily life vs kids are grown, not wanting more kids, retired vs still working)

I've had longterm relationships with men much younger than me anywhere from 21 years younger to 11 years younger and they have all been like any other relationship. We had much in common, were loving, enjoyed the same activities. It wasn't age that ended these relationships. It was other no related issues. I don't consider age an issue unless he does not yet have children. I don't want to take the experience of being a father away from him. But jokingly told one young man "Hey, I'll probably be dead in 25 years and you'll still be young enough to move on, start a new life and have a family". Kinda morbid but that's life.

The cliche is "age is just a number", but in the situations where I have been the younger party, I quite relished the aspect of being exposed to a more mature view of things. As the older party, I relished the energy and vitality of those I have been with. There are basic realities. A wider gap between ages means diverse exposure to norms and peer values. So I think it comes down to expectations and the definition of the relationship.

Just depends on the timing and where each person is at in their life. I don’t pay age much mind.