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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is 26 too young?

69 replies

StarB3 · 09/02/2019 17:54

I've known a guy for a few years from when we worked together. We no longer worked together but have messaged on and off since. We have arranged to meet up and have both like each other. I'm 39. Am I too much older?

OP posts:
LordVoldetort · 09/02/2019 17:55

At those ages I would say not. If you were both 10 years younger then the age gap would be obvious

Foxandthehound · 09/02/2019 17:55

Of course not! You're both responsible adults. Good luck op

LordVoldetort · 09/02/2019 17:55

^^ would say not weird

Tavannach · 09/02/2019 17:57

Depends. What are you looking for, what's he looking for? If you both want the same it'll be fine.

NameChangeNugget · 09/02/2019 17:58

You go for it and good luck Wink

Theimpossiblegirl · 09/02/2019 17:58

There are 10 years between dh and me. We met when I was 20 and are still going strong 23 years later.

CaseofEllen · 09/02/2019 17:59

Go for it! I've dated someone 13 years older than me, my DP is 7 years older. You're both responsible, consenting adults! Have fun x

MrsTerryPratcett · 09/02/2019 18:00

How old when you met?

ShadyLady53 · 09/02/2019 18:06

I’m nearly 35 and wouldn’t date a 26 year old. I’m looking for someone I can settle down and start a family with though, if you are just looking for a fling it may work.

I’ve changed so much in terms of priorities and maturity between 30 and 34...I can’t imagine what a 13 year gap might be like in real terms.

There’s a gorgeous 24 year old interested in me atm but I just look at him and think “Aww he’s sweet, I wish I’d met him 10 years ago”. I don’t think he’s a serious possibility for a lasting relationship.

What are you looking for out of this? If it’s just a bit of fun, go for it.

MissLanesAmericanCousin · 09/02/2019 18:09

Absolutely not. It is his EQ (emotional quotient) My husband was 24 when we married, I was 32. However, we were on the same page emotionally because he had already fought in two wars and was almost killed twice. My life experience made me grow up fast too, so we were (and are) perfect for one another.

Don't turn your back on, what could be, the best decision you've ever made. Age is for the most part, just a state of mind.

Best of luck! Smile

MissLanesAmericanCousin · 09/02/2019 18:17

It is his EQ that is important

NottonightJosepheen · 09/02/2019 18:20

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Apple103 · 09/02/2019 18:22

Depends on what you want out of it. For a bit of fun -yes. Something long term and to settle down - definitely not.

Sirzy · 09/02/2019 18:24

My dp is 14 years older than me. For us it works perfectly.

Youthful40 · 09/02/2019 18:30

We met four years ago, became very good friends, we've been going out together for nearly 18months, he is 26, I'm 40.

He teaches me new stuff everyday. He is a hugely positive influence on my life and he adores my DC. Moving forward, we have discussed further children and are both comfortable with our decision. Go for it!

LampHat · 09/02/2019 18:36

@Theimpossiblegirl I Really hope you’re the younger one!!

lljkk · 09/02/2019 18:41

I've got a cousin married to a woman 19 yrs older than himself. They married when he was about 30. He's very confident he made right choice (I think he's 47 now?)

sleepyhead · 09/02/2019 18:41

No, but you will need to have the dc convo earlier than many might.

I've got friends with a similar gap. There was a lot of heartache when dcs didn't happen for them but he wanted to be with her more than he wanted the chance of children.

Theimpossiblegirl · 09/02/2019 18:43

Haha, I was about to ask if it mattered but then realised DH would have been 10 if I was the older of the two. Yes, DH was 30.
We were at similar points in life, both looking for a serious relationship, although neither quite ready for kids and marriage at that point, we were 5 years later.

user1473878824 · 09/02/2019 18:46

I was 27 when I started going out with DP who is 13 years older than me - go for it, what have you got to lose?

Divgirl2 · 09/02/2019 18:51

I was 26 when I started dating dp who was 40 - we're still together with a baby now. Go for it!

WaddesdonWanderer · 09/02/2019 18:52

Nice one OP, fill your boots!

Aridane · 09/02/2019 18:54

There are 10 years between dh and me. We met when I was 20 and are still going strong 23 years later

Goodness me - are you posting from prison?

Aridane · 09/02/2019 18:54

Ha ha - I see I've been beaten to it in relation to your 10 year old DP!

Eliza9917 · 09/02/2019 18:55

I wouldnt.

I'm 37. I've got absolutely nothing in common with a 26yr old. And am at a completely different life stage. Not to mention bredth of life experience.