To sleep with a 23 year old?

Go for it but only for a fling. You're both in your sexual prime. You'll most likely have a ball in the bedroom.

Don't worry what other people think. If you and he feel comfortable then that's fine. There are loads of couples with that age gap the other way round. And then there's the Macrons

Age is NOT an issue, not at all but one needs to be aware of other possible issues (as with any new acquaintance or a stranger) issues of psychiatric background, criminal background, honey-trap, etc. etc. Enjoy. Maybe, I spend too much time watching TV documentaries!!

I have a FWB who is 26, I'm 46. We've been seeing each other for over 2 years (23 & 44 when we met at a party). It works great for both of us, it's not going to lead to anything long-term which is perfect for both of us, but we're good friends and it's a fun relationship. As long as you both establish what you're looking for, you could have a great time

Consenting adults or not, most 23 year old “men” are still boys

Of course they’re not! They can fight in wars, get married, own property and every other adult thing… but sleeping with a scary 40 year old woman is too ‘adult’ for the poor little lambs?! 🙄

Well said, at 23 you are an adult.

Morals is another word for misogynist control of women.

Not from me, it wouldn't.

Unlike many, I think that adult women have agency and can be trusted to make decisions on their own behalf.

Consenting adults or not, most 23 year old “men” are still boys

No they're not, or shouldn't be if they haven't been completely infantalised.

Fuck morals. How old are you? In your 80s or more?

Clearly another one with no morals 🤷. Consenting adults or not, most 23 year old “men” are still boys . Why would a mature woman be interested in a boy? Either afraid of getting old no doubt.

I think it's creepier to have any opinion about the sex life of your 25 year old son, to be honest.

Two consenting adults can shag if they want to.

As the mother of a 25 year old I find it creepy.

Sex with my toyboy was so disappointing that I developed an ick straight after.

Grim

it doesnt matter what everyone else thinks, its none of anyone elses business. if you want to date a 23 year old then do it? you may need to consider other people judging you, if this kind of thing doesnt bother you, then happy days, but if you are the kind of person who worries what others think, you need to bear in mind this will probably affect the relationship.

at 23 hes likely to have a different outlook on life to you, lots of things may be firsts for him, whereas you may have lived a fuller life. theres also the whole marriage and kids thing, is it something you still want, so if this did turn into something serious and he wanted children.. do you?

if it doesn't bother you, then date him, shag him, do whatever with him, but just be mindful it will probably come with complications.

I think some people need to move beyond ‘yuck’ as their best argument against this relationship!

I'm 39 and my entire life I have NEVER been able to tolerate even the IDEA of shagging a younger man. When I was 15, 13yr olds were gross. At 20, 18yr olds were babies to me. At 30 even the prosect of hooking up with someone 29.5 was unthinkable to me!! BUT - that's just my weird preference. Honestly I would've shagged a 60yr old man at 21 if I thought they were impressive. Inspiring. Charming. Haha. It's always been a red line for me to go younger. I've no idea why. Perhaps a fear of mothering a partner. ALL THAT SAID... One of my favourite movies of ALL TIME is Harold and Maude. A beautiful, wonderful story. Watch a trailer. Watch the film. It doesn't change my personal preference but I absolutely respect the idea of a age gap between the older woman / younger man, if it works for them!! I can't recommend that film enough. I believe there can be a connection of free spirits (of course, between adults). Sometimes magical connection's are made. If only for fun. But yeh. Not for me personally. Maybe if I was 80, that would change. Who knows!! Dont worry about others perceptions. If it doesnt feel weird, and if your expectations are aligned, I say go for it Xxx

Happy to be corrected but I’m not sure 20 something women put fake ages on their OLD profiles and trawl the apps looking for sec with older men to ticket DILF box

No, they would be talking about power imbalances and control.

This^

It wouldn’t be for me at 44 even if I was single - not attracted to such young men and I admit I do find the idea and age difference quite creepy - however he’s not under age and if you are both happy with the situation, why not? Just don’t expect anything long term out of it, he’s clearly just looking for sex and to fulfill a fantasy and once he does that he will want to date etc girls of his own age.

lol but posters have been invited to offer opinions. Most of the people posting probably don’t care that much either

@Theweepywillow how is that a weird thought process? Men of 40 were attractive to me at 23 (living independently with a family of my own). Maturity and emotional connection does not have a 3-year span.

So why wouldn't Op and this man have sex if they both consent?

An 18 isn't going to find a 70 year old sexually or romantically appealing unless something has gone wrong and they crave connection from anyone. Most mature adults don't want to date a teenager just out of school with nothing to talk about (except maybe their GCSE results and school disco)