To date a 22 year old?

[Joovy]

I'm 33... He's bloody gorgeous and we've really hit it off. Plus he's wealthy as fuck.

A 40 year old friend of mine recently left her husband and kids for a man of nearly 80. He is older than her father. She claims he doesn't look his age, but I think she needs her eyes tested. But it's their business and no-one else's (although that doesn't mean that people won't judge). Although people rarely comment when the man is a lot older.

I worked with a lad years back, he was (at the time) 30 and his partner was 55 but was a lady who definately didn't look or act her age. They had a great relationship.

Fast forward 15 years she now looks like his Granny and unfortunately is in poor health and it's extremely likely that before very long he'll end up being a full-time carer.

I saw him a while back in a bar in town with his mates and it's gone from being a "relationship" to carer/patient situation and the dynamics have completely changed.

I think it's stuff like that you have to be aware of long-term.

I would but I'm aged 27 so there's no creep factor for me, But saying that why the hell not.

Met a 22yr old recently finished his masters, runs a business etc and basically all round a functioning adult, I would date him.

No flamin way! You’ll be a laughing stock

My daughter’s best friend fell for a bloke in his 50s when she was 22.
5 years later, they are still together. Relationships are very weird and very individual, so what works for one couple might make others shudder. Do what works for you both.

A laughing stock! With an 11 year age gap! What a ludicrous thing to say. No one would even notice let alone care.

Bella there is no health guarantee for anyone any age. You could end up caring for a partner the same age as you.

Oh yes and the 'shuddering' thing. Well I shudder at the thought of dating all kinds of people. But that doesn't mean I think no one else should date them, nor would I judge them for it. It just means they're not for me.

My parents had a 20 year age gap, Dad was older.
Mum died 12 years before him.

Anyway, why is it expected you'll have a "traditional", relationship, as in meet, date, move in, marry, kids etc?
The thought of that horrifies me, any relationship I have will not involve living together, marriage, sharing finances or having kids.

Then why not just back off him, Cheggar? Why not just not even go there? That would be the better thing to do.

@IHaveBrilloHair I'm with you on that one. Particularly the cohabiting thing. I don't get why people only consider it to be a proper relationship if they are living together. Why? I understand if you've got children, but otherwise surely it's a personal choice. And one choice is as valid as the next.

If you feel he is mature then go for it, you are two consenting adults. However, I'm 23 and the most 22 yr old guys are very very immature, too immature for me and they are the same age!

I have a friend who's bf is 32 and tbh it is a bit weird, the power is all wrong and it's just a slightly creepy dynamic. That's the same with every age gap relationship I have experienced at this age. As people get older I think it's fine but I'm just not sure if any under 25 is mature enough to date someone over 30, wouldn't you just find them annoying?

thedishranaway - people are individuals though. Some will be mature very young, some will never be mature. You can't say all people under 25 are a certain way.

A 22 year old and a 33 year old isn’t that bad but Personaly I find it a bit weird and a bit odd. I’d say that regardless of who is male or female.

I’m shocked at the 53 year old and 23 year old. I find it unusual and strange.

I find young guys can be very attractive but the thought of actually dating them would never cross my mind. I’d think they were deeply weird to want to date someone over a decade or three 😳 older than them. I do a pastime that means I hang out with a lot of lads in their early 20’s and I get on with a lot of them well. I enjoy their company but the thought of dating them is beyond cringe’y.

weird tbh. im in my 20s (wrong side of 25) and i wouldnt date someone that young.

No flamin way! You’ll be a laughing stock

Really? with a 11 year age gap?

Can you enlighten us as to how much of an age difference is acceptable when dating?

If you get along then go for it. I’m personally amazed you have managed to, either he is an extremely mature 22 year old or you’re an immature 33 year old. I don’t mean that to be harsh but I’m almost your age and I teach 22 year olds. They are not my type .

You’re both consenting adults so YANBU

I’m 33 and I probably wouldn’t date a 22 year old, as I don’t think we’d have much in common (I’m a very boring 33 year old). But I’m not you so it doesn’t really matter what I would or wouldn’t do

As long as you’re not old enough to be his mum I don’t see what’s wrong with it

You go girl!

If anyone would laugh it says more about them than the couple.
If they are happy then why laugh

I think 22 and 33 can be very different to an 11 year gap where you are 33 and 44.
22 is just out of school so most men of this age would be immature with different priorities to a 33 year old.
It sounds like it isn’t the case with this man so if you like him it’s noone else’s business really.

Go for it. If you get on, why not?

If you feel a connection, go for it.

My eldest is 22. If he came home with a 32 yr old I would think she is mad as he is an immature ass... Wouldn't bother me though