Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Is it acceptable to say another women is more attractive because she’s younger?

139 replies

Pluto5 · 08/03/2026 20:32

After a year and a bit of OLD after losing my husband of 20 years I’ve had enough. I’ve met one full on narc, one womaniser, one very socially introverted and the other still in love with his ex. Plus not to mention about 50 more that have wasted my time texting just to fizzle.

so I went on Chat GPT and it told me to detox from all men for minimum of 6 weeks. Block all ex’s and dating apps. Apps had been deleted since October anyway. I’d just started and an American man added me as a friend on Instagram he’s 32 I’m 41. We’d been commenting on the same post. He described himself as very chilled out and nonchalant. Texts every day for a month but at times it’s been a bit slow or long I In-between due to time difference. Lately we started phoning each other most days, he has talked about having a fair few ex’s but has never lived with anyone, he lives with his mum and brother as rent is expensive. He’s says it’s his fault all previous relationships have ended as he didn’t prioritise the women’s needs. This was so refreshing compared to men here. If there is a pause in text time he will explain where he’s been and apologise.

he mentioned a few of his ex’s were Asian . So to cut a massive long story short, I’ve tried to end it a few times as I keep thinking logically where would-it go? I have 4 kids here 3 teenagers, I’m in my last year of nursing school. He has twice said I wish you all the best if you don’t think it will work I’m not going to convince you if your mind is made up but I’ve expressed that I think it could.

he’s also said a few times that he hopes I’m attractive to him. Plus he gushes if I say I’m starting to miss it when we don’t speak. We have a lot of jokey banter.

last night after a 3 hour phone call I said he was very cute and he said “ my looks?” I said no your personality but yes obviously I do think you’re good looking. I don't think he’s anything special I’d say a 5/6 at most but I like his personality. Then I flipped it and said “do you think I’m cute as you’ve never said”. So he phones me and said “ do I think you’re cute?” Then he said let me think about it, then he said mmmmm yes for a 41 year old but not compared to a 27 year old. I was gobsmacked, I asked what he meant and said I get loads of attention and he said yes what do men say? You’re attractive or you’re attractive for your age? He said everyone knows a women’s prime is in her 20s you can’t expect to compete. I didn’t try to compete. He said my body and long blonde hair would bump me up when I’m out that’s why I’d get attention. But he said if you looked at the face of a 24 year old and yours hers would be bette. He said if he was out with me, people would say I was attractive for my age but would say she’s 9 years older. He said if he was out with a 27 year old they would just say he was out with a 10 🤦‍♀️

every conversation is pretty much a debate. He said to me the other day that all parents have a favourite kid. When I said I don’t he said I was lying. He hasn’t got kids so he can’t know. He said from what other people have told him and what he sees he believes it’s true.

I messaged him this morning to say I was deeply offended and he said he understood and he was sorry he made me feel like that. I said that doesn’t really help to put my mind at rest. I said you could have just said I’m attractive but why the comparison and I said I just worry that he thinks I’m too old for him and every year I’d have an expiry date. He said he never said that ever but will let me think what I like.

I then left him a voice note saying I know he is a bit emotionally guarded and doesn’t like showing vunerabikity but sometimes I need reassurance especially when you’ve insulted me. I said if you message or ring me I’ll take it you want to build something still if you don’t then it’s a no. He’s had me on read for 4 hours. I’m really upset how that all turned so fast.

that was not a normal response from him was it? The more I think about it the weirder it goes. He’s also said he has no trouble cutting people off as he doesn’t feel stuff or even if he does he can still just walk away. Is this avoident behaviour? .

OP posts:
Pluto5 · 09/03/2026 13:49

OneOfEachPlease · 09/03/2026 12:59

I’ve come back round with this because it’s so bizarre. Obviously, he’s at fault.

But I think the way you’re approaching this is also very odd. It sounds like you’re used to be made a fuss of and that you’ve got some very clear ideas about what you look like. To be honest, all sorts of people say all the time that they look young for their age and very rarely do, it’s just you’re not gonna say to someone’s face “you don’t look like you’re in your early 30s by definition you look 41 because you are”.

Was this some sort of daydream fantasy for you that you’d run off to America with a younger man and you’re a bit annoyed because he’s popped to that?

Maybe yes and I’m not joking, literally everyone says to me I look 30 no one believes I’m 41 and no one believes I have 5 kids.

at First I was just speaking to him as it was someone different but I was realistic, then the more I spoke to him the more I liked him. I tried to pull away twice as I said it would never work but he convinced me it could. Then the fantasy started I think that I could visit him and vice versa as he suggested it.

OP posts:
OneOfEachPlease · 09/03/2026 12:59

I’ve come back round with this because it’s so bizarre. Obviously, he’s at fault.

But I think the way you’re approaching this is also very odd. It sounds like you’re used to be made a fuss of and that you’ve got some very clear ideas about what you look like. To be honest, all sorts of people say all the time that they look young for their age and very rarely do, it’s just you’re not gonna say to someone’s face “you don’t look like you’re in your early 30s by definition you look 41 because you are”.

Was this some sort of daydream fantasy for you that you’d run off to America with a younger man and you’re a bit annoyed because he’s popped to that?

Duckiewasthefirstniceguy · 09/03/2026 12:55

Pluto5 · 08/03/2026 21:00

He was trying to justify it to me. Saying you know you wouid have been at your best at 25 and I said no, I had 3 kids by 25 so I’d have probably looked worse.

what’s worse “not to blow my own trumpet” I’m very attractive and get so much male attention, I’ve sent him my inbox full of weird men off Facebook that won’t leave me alone, pages of them.

the fact all his ex’s were Asians annoyed me too, as I kept saying if you prefer young Asians I’m not Asians. He said that was the preference but not all he would date.

if I’d have stayed with him I’d have constantly never felt good enough and he doesn’t speak about feelings. I’ve noticed he’s only good at reflecting on his past behaviours but not at the present to change them.

im more annoyed he’s just left me to it,I expect to be chased.

Literally every sentence of this is deeply odd.

Duckiewasthefirstniceguy · 09/03/2026 12:53

Pluto5 · 09/03/2026 09:42

That’s the thing he wasn’t a dickhead it just was such a weird thing to say. He was actually one of the most accountable and reflective men I’ve spoken to.

every man in this country blames their ex’s why their relationships ended. He said it was his fault he did t prioritise them enough. My issue was that he debates everything. If I’d have said do you think I’m as attractive as a women in her late 20s his comment may have been valid. I didn’t ask to be compared to anyone that’s what was weird.

it might have been different if he’d have said I don’t usually date older women but yes you’re attractive for your age. It’s the bit where he had to add on “ your age” why can’t I just be attractive?

You don’t seem to appreciate just how bizarre and insulting his comments were, which is bizarre in itself. And this is despite multiple people explaining it to you. As in, you genuinely don’t get just HOW weird this all is OR that he talked to you like you were utter dog shit.

Most people would have gone WTF and blocked him immediately. You didn’t, continued to engage and are here analysing his words and focussing on entirely the wrong aspects of the interaction/situation. One has to wonder what the rest of your life and previous experiences must be like for your barometer and reactions to be so off kilter. Where is your self respect?

Riverous · 09/03/2026 12:37

Op, respectfully, he sounds like a moron. Not just because of the bizarre "you look good for your age" chat but in general. How much fun do you think it will be spending time with someone who has to contradict every statement you make?

Regarding the age thing to me it sounds like he was worried if he'd give you a proper compliment it would go to your head so he had to qualify it somehow to make sure you don't grow out of your shoes. Moron. Don't waste your time with him.

JMSA · 09/03/2026 12:35

Pluto5 · 08/03/2026 21:14

No I did this before the comment, we were speaking about social media and I said I needed to come off Facebook because men never leave me alone and I sent him screen shots of the pages of men in my archives saying you’re gorgeous, beautiful etc etc

maybe he was trying to humble me 😂

Edited

That’s a bit cringe.

The13thFairy · 09/03/2026 12:29

I was thinking that perhaps writing to you is just a hobby for him, a wank fantasy. And seeing how nasty and insulting he can be to you, while you thank him for it. I expect he feels rather powerful. Some men really get off on that. Then I wondered if writing this is your hobby. I do not believe you are as stupid and needy as you tell us you are. But you're getting a lot of attention.

The13thFairy · 09/03/2026 11:55

And you haven't met him?

ThatCyanCat · 09/03/2026 11:27

Good Lord OP, you're being unreasonable giving this much energy to a twat who even admitted he's shit at relationships and lives with his mum.

Your question is irrelevant to the actual issue (see above) but the answer is that youth is an advantage and most of us look better when younger; quelle surprise. However, it doesn't mean older people can't be attractive or have happy relationships. But he knows this and he's just a dickhead negger.

BunnyLake · 09/03/2026 11:22

ForAmusedHazelQuoter · 08/03/2026 20:38

It all sounds like a complete waste of time and energy.

My first thought after reading the OP was, I just could not be arsed. I felt drained just reading it. It’s no wonder I don’t even bother any more.

Goldfsh · 09/03/2026 11:13

You'd be better off dating ChatGPT.

Seriously, life is short - don't spaff it up the wall with this sort of thing. Get friends and hobbies!

AdaDex · 09/03/2026 11:12

Pluto5 · 08/03/2026 21:14

No I did this before the comment, we were speaking about social media and I said I needed to come off Facebook because men never leave me alone and I sent him screen shots of the pages of men in my archives saying you’re gorgeous, beautiful etc etc

maybe he was trying to humble me 😂

Edited

Somehow that's even worse.

Imagine if OP had said she'd met a bloke OLD who sent 'evidence' from social media about how attractive he was and how much female attention he got.....

Makemydaypunk · 09/03/2026 11:09

You are not listening to what everyone is telling you on this thread, all you are concerned about is he doesn’t find you as attractive as a younger woman and this had left you wounded, what a load of nonsense this all is, spending hours talking to a man you have never and will never meet, and desperate for validation from him, you may as well have a relationship with your ChatGPT at least you can program it to tell you how beautiful you are if that’s what you seeking.

Happyjoe · 09/03/2026 10:54

Pluto5 · 08/03/2026 20:47

I just can’t get my head around how sweet and lovely he’s been and very consistent for 4 weeks. All day every day, him chasing; him adding me, him constantly engaging.

I just can’t wrap my head around how bizarre it was. It’s like if someone asked if I thought J lo was attractive I’d say “ yes, and she looks great for her age” I wouldn’t said yes but compared to a women in her 20s no.

He can't keep up the pretence anymore. The real him is coming out.

And even with his odd views, he sounds knackering, everything an endless debate. It will get tiresome, very quickly.

SpaceRaccoon · 09/03/2026 10:54

OP I'd also say be careful as I'm getting the impression you'd be vulnerable to romance scammers. Watch a few episodes of Catfished on youtube maybe.

JHound · 09/03/2026 10:51

He’s negging you and that you cannot see that at your age is disturbing.

JHound · 09/03/2026 10:49

Please block this man and move on with your life. The red flags are jumping out.

Dontlletmedownbruce · 09/03/2026 10:47

I don't think I'd like the constant debating and his views on cutting people out would turn me off. However to answer your AIBU, no I don't think its something to be offended about. People age and mostly become less attractive, that's nature. There are those that like an older person physically but I would say the majority of people, men or women prefer youth. I am late 40s and have definitely passed my prime, as have my friends and my husband and his friends. We openly joke that we look like less attractive versions of ourselves. If someone told me I was attractive for my age I'd be happy because I know very well that I was a lot more attractive 10 years ago. It doesn't mean I'm unattractive just not as attractive.

MidnightMeltdown · 09/03/2026 10:39

He’s a complete dick and playing games with you, but I also think you need to be realistic. From the perspective of someone in their late 20s/early 30s, people in their 40s do look significantly older. I remember being asked out by a 43 year old when I was 28, and I thought he looked ancient.

BCSurvivor · 09/03/2026 10:31

Pluto5 · 08/03/2026 20:47

I just can’t get my head around how sweet and lovely he’s been and very consistent for 4 weeks. All day every day, him chasing; him adding me, him constantly engaging.

I just can’t wrap my head around how bizarre it was. It’s like if someone asked if I thought J lo was attractive I’d say “ yes, and she looks great for her age” I wouldn’t said yes but compared to a women in her 20s no.

OP, he's clocked that you're vulnerable/needy and love bombed you.
But now he's reeled you in and feels he doesn't need to try anymore.
Why are you wasting so much time and angst on him?
This isn't a relationship, what are you actually getting out of it???

“not to blow my own trumpet” I’m very attractive and get so much male attention, I’ve sent him my inbox full of weird men off Facebook that won’t leave me alone, pages of them.''

Why would you send him your inbox of weirdos???

There's attention, and then there's attention.
And attracting weirdos is not the right sort of attention.
TBH, I sincerely doubt that your inbox of weirdos are messaging you because they're blown away by your looks, it's far more likely that they're catfishing.

Be real, OP, and learn about self worth.

catipuss · 09/03/2026 10:27

He likes younger women, so you are pretty incompatible, dump him before he dumps you.

Jlom · 09/03/2026 10:25

Pluto5 · 09/03/2026 09:35

He left me a voice note last night saying he never said I was unattractive and said if he wasn’t into me he wouldn’t have been the one saying it could work. He said if I wanted to come to England so bad I’d have found someone in London not someone who lives miles away in the country as he hate the country.

he actually wanted me to go there rather than him come here. It is a headfry really as I can’t just leave and go live in America. I’ve never had like an American dream or anything. It’s just annoying as apart from this everything else was good. I just feel like he ruined it.

Whatever you do, just don't give him any money.

Snowyowl99 · 09/03/2026 10:21

Let it go. He obviously would prefer a younger woman...fair enough...but you'll just get hurt in the process. Of course most people look better in their youth but there's no need for him to be so blunt. Ditch him

BillieWiper · 09/03/2026 10:18

He sounds absolutely pathetic. Sad little man who lives in his mum's basement trying to neg you out about your age and appearance. When you say he's not even attractive especially himself?

Why are you bothering talking to this person?

soontobeamama · 09/03/2026 10:14

He’s not a very nice person and you can do so much better than him. I would just take control and block him - will give him shock when he does try to respond.

Swipe left for the next trending thread