Do young women mind if an older guy strikes up a conversation?

United States
May 23, 2010 12:30pm CST
I know that women under the age of 35 are not going to have any romantic interest in me. I'm really not trying to get their phone numbers. I'm just interested in hearing what they have to say during chance encounters. At the age of 53, I know how to conduct interesting conversations with people of all ages. I don't only want to talk with older people because...well...most of them are old...they think old and act old. But a few of us oldsters are different than that. Any suggestions of how I can assure not creeping out you younger women when simply starting a conversation?
2 people like this
7 responses
• United States
23 May 10
Personally (Young woman at 19), I'm okay talking to older men as long as they don't delve into certain subjects. I find it creepy when older men who are not close friend of the family or relatives ask me about my appearance and my love-life. Whenever an older man asks me a question like, "Do you work-out?" or "Do you have a boyfriend?" warning bells sound in my head. If you want young women to be comfortable talking to you, then steer clear of those subjects. Subjects that I feel are safe are books, movies, television, and education. In a clean context though. As in, clean books and movies. When in doubt, just talk about the weather. The weather is always a safe subject.
• United States
24 May 10
Thanks for your insight. It confirms that I've been doing the right thing by sticking with general subjects. The funny thing is, when I was 19 and talked with women my age then about books/movies/television/education, they all thought I was a little weird. And, of course, back then I never knew how to approach anyone the age I am now -- unless they were in my own family. Since I really am interested in those subjects, I'm finally ready to find out what people of all ages think.
• China
24 May 10
Hello Casper,someone is thinking now ,actully ,base on what they had done or thought in the past . So talk to them about the old thing ,maybe a better first step.
@dav20b (507)
• United States
24 May 10
I guess be friendly,nice and Also do not stand to close.
• United States
24 May 10
Copy that. Pay attention to where I stand.
• Philippines
29 May 10
ah,Casper..I salute men like you.men who are about brains and personality and is interested to strike a conversation just to know what a woman thinks about a certain topic.I do agree with you that when you talk to people your age,well you get a bit of different ideas because older people think differently and younger people.you cannot really blame a lot of younger women who will be grossed out and think that an someone much,much older that they are will get their number.it is much better to approach women who are in a bookstore.from there you can ask her about a book she is browsing or reading.
@Rysonia (310)
• United States
24 May 10
Talking to a younger woman is the same as talking to a woman of your own age group. When you first meet someone it is always better taking the time to get to know them without asking personal details about boyfriends, lovers, etc. The only real difference between the two age groups is you are generally going to find more mature women in the older age ranges, which is simply because they have lived longer and had time to learn to deal with life's little oddities. That being said this does not mean that a younger woman and older man can not have a relationship, simply that it is a bad idea to come across as a guy in the middle of a midlife crisis. I am 32 now, but when I was 21 I had a relationship with a gentleman who was 56. So should it end up heading in that direction for both of you don't feel like a creep or anything, such matters don't come with an age restriction (as long as legal adults).
@gloryacam (5540)
• Philippines
24 May 10
I agree with the younger girls (me 31) that it is alright to engage in conversations with older men as long as it doesn't feel like the young girl is getting hit on or something. Or that the conversation is not too uncomfortable. With most older men I talked with, we talk about business and work matters seeing that they have way more experience on those matters than me. And in our place, when I talk about politics with older men.
• Saint Lucia
23 May 10
I'm 24 and I have no problems taking to older persons. I just get freaked when they start asking personal questions like 'do you have a boyfriend?'. It just makes us feel like you want to do more than talk with us. I suggest staying away from asking too personal questions until you know the person better or if she brings it up in the conversation then discuss away. I met this older guy in the bus once and we started talking because he asked if I liked the song playing, which I didn't but he did and he asked why and from there the conversation progressed to movies etc. for the whole 1hr long bus ride. It was fun ^_^.
• United States
24 May 10
Good to know I'm not the only older guy who's not after more than conversation with younger women. Unfortunately, some older guys really are creepy. And that makes it difficult for someone like me to simply be friendly and interested in thoughts from someone of a different age.
@chiyosan (30184)
• Philippines
24 May 10
i think what you have to do is to just appear friendly. strike up a conversation based on the situation and you will have to at least know that the person you tried to talk to would respond. there are just people who may not respond talking to anyone whom they don't know