A
female
age
26-29,
anonymous
writes:Just a question:How do you feel about a relationship between a man who is 25, and a young woman who is 18? I am the 18 year old, by the way.I don't find anything awkward about it so far. We've been dating for two months, HE doesn't find anything wrong with it either. I find him fascinating, and he's fascinated with me. Throughout my life, I've only been interested in two, maybe three people. Including him.I've never dated anyone I've actually liked until now, and I admit it's a wonderful change. Through more intimate encounters there are no issues of awkward either. Maturity wise, we seem to be on the same page. I'm responsible, know what's a stupid decision, and what is a wise decision. I've never found anyone so wonderfully quirky as him...to match my own weirdness. He's accepting of my subculture (goth), and while he shall never be a part of it, he always loves to learn more. In turn, he has his own quirks and interest/ aesthetics. We're both lovers of art and beauty, and, as I stated before, find each others opinions and perspectives fascinating. We share the same philosophy on many things, so we're similar in many ways, but wonderfully different in others. We're both pessimists, but together we become cheery and optimistic. His lighthearted nature makes me stress out about tiny things less, and learn to laugh at life a bit more. All while remaining sensible. In return, he says he's learned what NOT to joke about, and perhaps emotions for other people are a welcome thing. Because of this I don't understand the issue with such an age gap. Is there even one? For those of you with experience in these kinds of relationships, is there any future problems I should be aware about? I want this to continue to work out so smoothly, considering I really do enjoy his company, and am absolutely loving being together with him. But, this is only my second relationship. The first one went...badly. This is the first relationship where I've actually enjoyed my partner, and don't want to screw anything up. I feel like I'm growing as a person, and so is he. Reply to this Question
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (15 October 2013): When I was your age I also dated a guy 7 years older. It was weird because all my friends had partners who were also in college with us or going through the same things whereas my partner was at the next stage of life (out of school, working his own business etc). So it was weird because I felt we were different from other couples I knew.
Well we have now been married for 18 years and now there is zero effect of the 7 year age gap. It just has no bearing on anything at all. And I no longer feel like we are different from other couples my age or his age as we are now all the "same age" .
My parents are also 8 years apart in age.
A
female
reader, So_Very_Confused +, writes (14 October 2013):
 I don't see any issues at this point either. You are an adult, he is an adult, you get along and have a lot in common and are happy. Don't go looking for problems where none exist.
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reader, anonymous, writes (13 October 2013): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionYes, he does know my family and friends. My parents adore him and approve. My friends have known him longer than I have, and they all enjoy him as well. He's not known to date too many people, and I'm the first person he's dated with an age difference. He's not pushy about anything, either. He's VERY respectful, and has quite a bit of knowledge (and admiration) for feminism.
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reader, anonymous, writes (13 October 2013): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionMy parents already know, and approve. They get along GREAT.
My closest friends knew him before hand, and he's always been well liked by them as well. They've apparently been wanting us to get together for awhile, and they're surprised because he doesn't date too many people. A few months ago, when we were only DISCUSSING dating, he admitted he had never dated anyone with that age gap. He seemed to think I was worth it anyways, which made me very happy to hear.
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A
male
reader, Fatherly Advice +, writes (13 October 2013):
 This age gap is proper. You are over 18 and legal. As far as the maturity issue World wide men first marry at an age 3 years older than women from their same cultures. Your description of the relationship sounds almost perfect.
FA
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A
female
reader, pinktopaz +, writes (13 October 2013):
7 years?! That's nothing! It probably seems like a lot when you're 18, but it's really not. I've dated guys 17 years older than me (but I'm 29).
It sounds like you two have a lot in common and if he makes you happy, age doesn't matter. The only thing that could complicate things is a maturity/experience factor. I know at 18, it feels like you've learned a lot and experienced a lot, but there's a lot more growing that happens in your 20's. So there may be things you can't attend (21 and over) that he can or not being able to relate to certain things. But otherwise, I don't see any harm in giving it a chance. You're both adults and the age gap isn't that substantial.
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