Is it Ok for a guy to date someone 10 years younger then him? (~so confused)

By Leo
@d_e_v81 (360)
Singapore
December 28, 2009 12:52pm CST
Well, its like this... I've known this gal ever since she was young. She is from my step mum's side of the family and I've only seen her every now and then when we travel across the causeway for a visit. She was 8 and I was 18 when I first saw her. Then she was 12 and I was 22 the next time we met. Then a coupla years back, when she was 16 and I was 26, we met again when our family went over for a visit. I knew I liked her but I didnt wanna deal too much into it. In the mean time, I had been through my fair share of relationships too. All of em kindda closer to my age but it never worked out. Then, this xmas, she came over with her sister. She is 18 and I am 28. We instantly clicked and I kindda got the feelin she liked me too when we went out to town to see the xmas decorations in Orchard. That night when we came back, she joined me in the hall for a movie. Then when she was about to go to bed, she said it was cold. and I gave her my comforter. Here you should know Im the sort who don't like people to even sit on my bed. and yet I gave her my comforter. Had her sister complained it was cold, I would have just switched off the air-con. Anywayz...right now we are at the I like you and you like me stage. Our families are close. Both my parents and her parents have an age gap difference of 10 years too so I dont think thatz gonna be an issue. The problem is, she is 18. What kind of decisions can an 18 year old make? She may say yes now, but she is bound to meet new people along the way and might have a change of heart. these things happen I know. Is it wise for me to wait 5 years for her to finish her studies and see if she still feels the same way about me? No problem for her as she will be 23. But I will be 33! Should stick to her or should I also leave my options open and date around while she makes up her mind? That kindda feels like cheatin to me. but we are not officially a couple yet. We exchanged contact details, like fb, msn, handphone no. before she left. I guess now I just gotta wait and let time tell me what to do. So confused....
5 people like this
27 responses
• United States
28 Dec 09
d_e_v8l, This type of attraction in YOUR country is allowed as long as there isn't any laws broken. But,here in the US this type of attraction is strictly frowned upon by society b/c YOU knew her when she was just a child and YOU were a young adult! That says alot about your character right there my friend. My advise to U is to wait the five years an let her mature more into the woman she will become first.
@tawny_24 (341)
• United States
29 Dec 09
This is probably the start of a beautiful relationship. JUST REMEMBER THAT SHE IS NOT LIKE EVERY OTHER WOMAN YOU HAVE KNOWN. I am yelling this at you because this is the main reason that the guy I loved dearly didn't work out. He was twelve years older than me, and like you his relationships with women his age did not work out. In fact he told me that a lot of women his age have major baggage. I know this is true, I meet a lot of women who I can't stand to be around because they whine, complain, nag, criticise, are selfish and catty and they act like babies. Don't underestimate her intelligence. My ex never listened to my imput because he thought of me as a child because he was older, even though he did some of the dumbest things I have ever seen anybody do in my life. As far as her finding someone else. If you love her and let her know that you love her, even if it just as someone you have known for a long time she will be loyal to you. It is every womans dream to meet her soulmate at the age she is now and fall in love and then stay in love for the rest of her life. I was 22 when I met my ex. And even though he treated me like crap because he had a similar trian of thought as you, I stayed. I can tell you for a fact that unless you get over your fear that is won't work. Unless you stop making excuses and judging her age as a negative thing then it won't work. You have to give her real r-e-s-p-e-c-t. Is she smart? Treat her like she is intelligent, not eightteen. Is she kind and considerate? Then treat her like she is kind and not like she is eightteen. Is she calm and easy to be with? Then treat her like you enjoy her company instead of treating her like she is eightteen. I hope that makes sense. Give her real respect and she will respect you. Give her loyalty and trust and she will give you loyalty and trust. If you don't want to do that then DON'T START ANY THING WITH HER!!!!!! The whole reason women have baggage is because the men in thier lives don't do what I just told you. Good luck, send me a message if you feel like my advice was good or you want some clarification. Women are not confusing, or unkowable.
@d_e_v81 (360)
• Singapore
29 Dec 09
I think that is one of the reasons why she is like into me. Cos I dont treat her like a kid. and yes you have a point there...and when Im with her...I do forget the age gap thingy sometimes...Thanks for your valuable input. I do hope things work out between us. And I dont think I have a similar train of thought as ur ex though...I mean...I dont treat her as a kid and make myself the soul decision maker and such....but I do get to wonder sometimes will she have what it takes to see this relationship thru? I sure hope so. After hearin sme other success stories here...Im beginnin to feel hopeful... :)
@Allie_xoxo (1063)
• Canada
28 Dec 09
My man and I met through friends. He's 8 years older than I am (22 and 30, we met at 21 and 28 almost 29) at first this was a little hard to swallow and then it was a little hard not to make jokes about his being a teenager in the 90s but after all that, I got used to it (save the odd teenager in the 90's joke) and now I love it and think it's very sexy to have an older man to take care of me.
@d_e_v81 (360)
• Singapore
28 Dec 09
Aww...I hope she thinks the same of me too..lol Anywayz...her parents also have an age gap of 10 years and she has told me she is ok with it....I just gotta give her the time and space to make her own mind up. Dont wanna make her feel like Im pressurin her. Thanks for your response! :)
@edu4625 (188)
• United States
28 Dec 09
I applaud you for considering her age and what that might mean as far as a relationship is considered. I don't think many men consider it the same way they you do and I think it shows maturity on your part. I feel that I can reassure you that the age difference between men and women don't seem as important when the man is older. There are several factors that seems to balance the situation. Yes, you have a point about this young lady maybe changing her mind and wanting to meet someone else later. That is a possibility. But usually women are extraordinary loyal when they feel that they have fallen in love with a man . They will happily dedicate themselves to that relationship and grow in it without feeling as if they need more experience in dating. This is more of a male oriented thought. Women are groomed in societies from the time they are young to be prepared for serious relationships. Having a successful relationship is important to women and they may have put more time into consciously thinking about it than a man even at a young age. Your best bet is to simply ask her how she feels. Her response will give you a clue to her emotional level and how mature she is. Her answer may surprise you as she has probably already thought about the age difference and came to a satisfied conclusion herself. If she has shown interest in you she probably is looking to be involved with a mature person. Good luck and I hope you get responses that will help you come to the best conclusion for yourself.
@d_e_v81 (360)
• Singapore
28 Dec 09
Hi! I did ask her how she felt...and yes...her response DID surprise me. Her level of maturity and how far into the future she thought ahead really surprised me. For instance, she said she is plannin to get married when she is 25. Then she asked me...you'll be 35, isnt that a bit too late for you? Haha.. Even without sayin yes....throughout the convo...I could tell she was seriously considering me... I guess I just have to let the seed germinate in her mind for a few more months before pursuing it again...It would be great if we are officially a couple by end of next year... Thanks for your insight into the woman's psyche. It sure helps in helpin me come to a decision...
• Thailand
28 Dec 09
I don't think age is an issue, I mean at 18 I was already thinking about marriage. It's the feeling that counts most. If you feel she is perfect for you and you both feel happy when you are together, you wouldn't care about the age at all. About cheating, you weren't having that kind of relationship yet anyway so just chill dude. It's still a long way to go but good luck to you.
@tawny_24 (341)
• United States
29 Dec 09
I totally agree with you. As I told the person that started this discussion, being uptight about what bad things might happen in the future is counterproductive to having a good relationship no matter what the age difference. I think that because a lot of men who are a few years older date women of thier age group more than younder ones feel really defensive because a lot of those women are desperate to get some security, marriage, or whatever that they make men crazy, so when they do meet a good girl and she's younger he still thinks that she wants to get hitched on date two and make a million babies and spend all of his money. All I know is that it is impossible to be desperate as an eighteen year old if you have a car, friends, and a job then despiration is not a factor. And as far as cheating goes, unless she gets drunk on a regular basis with guys she doesn't know then she probably won't cheat on him. There are like no guys in her age group that could compare to an older guy in maturity level, which is like one of the hottest turn-ons for women. As long as he doesn't boss her around like her dad she should probably be happy, unless he is boring. So if all they ever do is stay home and she wants to go out and have fun, then he should take her out, how can you cheat on someone when you are with your man out on the town?
• United States
28 Dec 09
Well, I'll put it this way..... I am going to be 30 in 2 months and my husband of 9 years is going to be 40 the same month, as there are exactly 10 years between my husband and myself. I met my husband when I was 17, started dating him when I was 21, as he was previously married..., and we dated for 5 years before we got married, and are still togeather. Are friends are envious of our relationship, and we are still togeather and love each other just as much as we did then. I think if your gut feeling is to be with her, you should follow your instincts and let what is going to happen, happen.
@d_e_v81 (360)
• Singapore
28 Dec 09
Well, both our parents were success stories...and here I have another success story from you. Just gives me that much more hope. I think we should start dating but the distance is a considerable factor. Still...Im flyin over to see her next feb and I plannin to ask her officially...as right now we r neither here nor there...I think that should be enough time for her to have thought things through...:) And yes...my gut feeling tells me to GO FOR IT!!! :)
@cobradene (1171)
• India
28 Dec 09
As long as you haven't committed yourself, it's not cheating. If you like her, then it should be fine. Even I had developed interest in a girl 9 years younger to me, and she liked me very much as well, but we both knew from the beginning it was not going to work, so we just stayed friends. But, we always had the feeling, if we were destined we would have been great together. You can date, meet other women, to see if you find someone better, or compatible of your wavelength. Sometimes there could be a great difference in maturity levels and you could get the feeling like you are playing the role of a father instead of a lover or husband. Even I had that feeling with my friend, and that's why I could never move forward. Just wait and see how things go, and what she decides about her future, studies and career etc.. There is enough time in hand. So what if you marry her when you are 33? It's perfectly fine, as long as you two feel you make a good couple and share a good chemistry, and above all, tremendous love. Love is the motivating factor in all relationships.
@d_e_v81 (360)
• Singapore
28 Dec 09
Hi, your words are inspiring and I do get what you mean. I kindda got to thinking if it would have made a difference had I met her when she was 22 and I was 32....however, even now that she is 18, she seems mature for her age and well...bottom line is...I like her///we'll just have to see how things go... As for feelin like ur playin the role of a father, I dont think I have that problem with her lol. We are just takin thing slow. Like you said, plenty of time...why rush right? Thanks for your response!
@becdmd (704)
• Philippines
29 Dec 09
wow! It seems like I watched this story from a movie...hmm..it's really confusing if you have uncertainties of the feelings of the girl you like...she's young and as you said earlier may bound to meet new people. I think you should tell her exactly the way you feel since you have a hint that she likes you too...but in a subtle way, maybe she will give you an answer if she will wait for you. besides, age doesn't matter and as early as now you should find the answer before it's too late...don't wait too long if you're confused right?
@artistry (4152)
• United States
29 Dec 09
...Hi d_e_v81, People are attracted to other people for a variety of reasons. Usually it starts with the attraction between the two, then you find out you have things in common or there's a chemistry. Or all of the above at one time. Have you had any meaningful conversations with her, can the two of you talk about things that hold both your interests? You are very much more, or should be, mature than she would be at 18, she could be a very mature 18 year old, I don't know. But there has to be some common connection between you which will keep both your interests in order to develop a meaningful relationship. I would suggest that you date people in your age category. Give her a chance to mature and to learn who she is and what she wants to do with her life. The age gap of 10 years is a lot at 18 and 28 in my opinion. Let time take it and let her grow, she will be there, don't force the issue. Anything worth having I've been told is worth waiting for. Take care, have a very Happy New Year.
• United States
28 Dec 09
That would not be cheating to me by the way. You should do what you feel is best. You only live once my friend. don't let your happiness get away from you. She is of legal age and so are you.
@d_e_v81 (360)
• Singapore
28 Dec 09
Yes I understand but it is kindda hard to date around when you actually know you already like someone you get what I mean? But then again, like you said, I only live once. Maybe I should like learn how to not put all my eggs in one basket? lol. Maybe I will do just that...sometime in the future...but right now...im just way too deep into her...some may find tat kindda stupid..but thatz just me... :) Thanks for your response!
@myramae19 (667)
• Philippines
29 Dec 09
Hi this is what fate is...You met her when she was 8,10 years later fell in love with her? wow... Age doesn't matter, you seems in love with each other and that's what matters. If you think you're doing the right and that's what you feel towards her, then You must stick to her. The other big factor is.. your both parents are close,this are very rare in the universe.stay happy in love friend. happy new year.
• United States
28 Dec 09
I posted a similar question last week regarding someone I am good friends with, who is much younger than I am. The difference in my case is that the women is 24. At 18 your friend is just really starting to become an adult. As most of us know, just because you are a legal adult doesn't mean you have the life experience to really be one. The maturity level in young adults increases dramatically between the time they go from 18 to their early 20's. If I were in your situation personally I would wait a while before persueing this. Like it or not, she more than likely still has a lot of growing up to do, and if you get serious now, you are far more likely to be the one getting hurt if things don't go well. I would stick with being friends and build your friendship first. In the long run the best relationships are built on a strong friendship.
@d_e_v81 (360)
• Singapore
28 Dec 09
Yes that though did occur to me as well...if only i had met her in her 20s instead of now. Part of me wants to wait...and part of me wants to rush into it in the fear that she might find someone else in the meantime... I know many friends who have met their guy when they were 18 and ended up with them. In her case, Im kindda hopin that guy is me. Yes, she does have her growin up to do. Like I said, only time can tell if we are gonna make it. And yes..in the meantime, we gotta work on our friendship but there is also a danger there where she myte see u just as a good friend then a lover, etc. I think I made a wise choice in tellin her early on in the rp, yes, we are friends, but I do like her. and she is not rejecting the idea but she aint acceptin it either. She just told me to give her time... and so...thatz exactly what Im gonna do :) thanks for your response!
• India
28 Dec 09
Hi, I guess 10 years gap is absolutely okay.I have seen many couple where the age gap is 10 years and more as well and yet married and living happily now.Dont worry about that as long as you both love each other.You can go ahead in your relationship. Thanks Sailaja
• India
30 Dec 09
True. Love doesn't see age, caste anything. Actually love is blind. :) LOL... And No matter she is younger or older, if you are in true love, it is all fair.
• Canada
29 Dec 09
I'm 22, and my Boyfriend is 32, 10 years in the difference of us as well, we are very happy with each other and things couldn't be better, we like to joke around with each other sayin what he was doing when he was 16 and i was 6, age is only a small factor in a relationship, it only becomes a big one if you let it be. As for waiting, you can't wait your life away, if she's not 100% into you yet, then the relationship probably wont last, as bad as that sounds, you both need to be positive on what you want.
• India
29 Dec 09
An age difference of 10 years is nothing. You have middle aged but bachelor professors falling in love with their students and getting married and living happily ever after but what you say about knowing the mind properly is something about which few people are sure at all, even throughout their lives. Look around you and you’ll see so many couples ending in divorce…couples who seem perfectly made for each other, who were head over heals in love, for whom everything was perfect yet they could not continue the journey together. We are never sure of our own minds and how our mind will react in the future. You can of course give her time and its good that you want her to explore around a little and yes, for you dating another lady when you are clearly in love with this girl would indeed be cheating, both yourself and your girl. But since she’s very young, she has every right to look around and make up her mind and I congratulate you for having that mental strength to accept it. However, if she’s still sure about you then please go ahead and marry her and I wish you all the best.
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
29 Dec 09
Hi there, Well, the older you get, the more the age gap closes and becomes less of an issue. Ten years is not all that much. It really depends on the people. Had you began seeing her when she was much younger then it would have been illegal more than likely. At 18 she is considered an adult. As with any new relationship, you should take it slow and make sure it is what you both want. Best of luck to you!
@ronnyb (6113)
• Jamaica
29 Dec 09
Well you should do what you feel is tight in your heart.With that said though I must say that I had 18 yr old girl and she was my first I was twelve years older.She wa sone of the most mature persons Iever met in terms of her conversation but it didnt work out .I guess at that age she was just not ready for any major decisions.I dont regret though because she was a nice person
• China
29 Dec 09
i do not think that age is problem to date between human and i ever seen someone dating one man who is as old as his grandfather.maybe sometimes we do not understand other's action or behavior but we can respect that. i think if the guy really love the one who 10 years younger than him. then just go ahead.
• India
29 Dec 09
no its not right in view of culture.thanku
@rose66 (378)
• China
29 Dec 09
once i was also confused about my relationship with my husband. my husband is older than me by more than 10 years. i met him when i was 19, he was 32. all of my classmates said we were unfit and my husband parents didn't agree with us either. for i was studyng while he was working. they thought we were different, i was too young, that i may get changed in the future. but my husband insisted, he said he loved me and believed me ,so he waited for me for 4 years until i graduated. then we get marriede. so if you really love her and trust her love to you , just hold on. Do it! good luck to you !