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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

I'm 50, he's 35.....

34 replies

pockledigg · 18/01/2018 20:21

I ended a 20 year relationship a few months ago and have been lucky enough to start a new relationship. The age difference though.......I'm fine with it and he says it doesn't bother him, but I feel like when we're out holding hands or something folk look at us and think he's out with his dear old Mum. Thoughts please?

OP posts:
annandale · 18/01/2018 20:24

Sorry but Meh.

Friend my age (49) is married to a great guy with a bigger age gap than yours. It's only 15 years fgs. Yes it's unusual but if you start torturing yourself with what others think you will miss out on a lot.

SongforSal · 18/01/2018 20:24

Go for it. Honestly, life is to short to worry about how you are perceived. Also, would anyone bat an eye at the gender reversal? I'm a 35 Yr old woman, with a Dp of 46.

Emmageddon · 18/01/2018 20:26

Unless you are a very old looking 50 and he is a very young looking 35, I doubt anyone even notices the age difference.

CharizMa · 18/01/2018 20:27

I doubt they are noticing that. I can't guess people's ages that well.

Also, it's not that rare and so what, happens often enough the other way around so if you want to go for it just go for it. Don't spoil it worrying what it looks like.

Poshindevon · 18/01/2018 20:27

Who cares what people think. Lucky you to have found a new love. If the age difference bothered him he would not be with you. Grab life with both hands and enjoy.

AnyFucker · 18/01/2018 20:28

Send him on a hard paper round and get yourself some good moisturiser

Sorted Smile

crackerjacket · 18/01/2018 20:28
Grin

anyfucker

MikeUniformMike · 18/01/2018 20:29

Treat it as a fling. Nobody would bat an eyelid if he was 50 and you 35.

CoolCarrie · 18/01/2018 20:29

Go for it, and don’t worry about other people

ThisLittleKitty · 18/01/2018 20:30

Hmm I dunno I know people that are 35 and look really young then I know people who are 50 who look really old so I guess people could be looking but I agree no one would bat an eye lid if it was the other way round.

greendale17 · 18/01/2018 20:31

but I feel like when we're out holding hands or something folk look at us and think he's out with his dear old Mum

^I would start to get used to this because it won’t be the last time people do that

katseyes7 · 18/01/2018 20:31

When l was 43, and l'd just got divorced, l started going out with a 21 year old. We were together for two and a half years, and he did my confidence no end of good after being in a bad marriage for years. lf you're happy together, and he treats you well, that's what matters. Nobody else's business.

bert3400 · 18/01/2018 20:32

Don't worry about what others think , if you have found a good man who you love ...enjoy it . There is 11 years between me & hubby and after 19 years together, it doesn't even cross our minds about the age gap ...im 50 he's 39 .

SandyY2K · 19/01/2018 00:06

Do you look old enough to be his mum?

Being honest...if you look significantly older people will look, but
that's human nature.

Don't let strangers bother you?

WesternMeadowlark · 19/01/2018 00:55

If they do give the two of you a second glance, then unless they're actually pulling a disgusted face or making a disapproving remark, I really wouldn't assume they're noticing in a negative way.

When I meet a couple I wouldn't necessarily expect to be together, based on stereotypes about dating, then the tiny amount of thought I give it is just about how cool it is to be reminded of how different we all are. But if they were to spot me looking and considering the situation (which obviously I try not to do!), they probably wouldn't know that. Hence me trying not to do it!

Same goes for people who have unusual style, but it's less intrusive to come out with a compliment about that, so that they know what I'm thinking, than it is to do that about a couple. I'd never do the latter. So don't assume the worst, think about what you want, and if that's him, then enjoy the company of someone who likes you Smile.

Reddlion · 19/01/2018 01:24

no big deal op

TanteRose · 19/01/2018 01:39

absolutely no big deal

Grin at AF

TanteRose · 19/01/2018 01:40

I have friends, she was 41 and he was 29 when they had their first baby last year - totally loved-up

Mycashybear · 19/01/2018 02:01

One rule of being happy what other people think about you or say about you is none of your business. If you lived your life doing what other people think you will be living their life.
It really doesn’t matter how you look go out there and have a fabulous time and grab that happiness. This guy is obviously into you so get over your insecurities and just be happy Flowers

pallisers · 19/01/2018 02:06

I wouldn't care less what anyone thought of it.

And I know plenty of people at 50 who could be with 35 year olds without any comment (my sister is one of them)

My only concern is if you are looking for a long-term relationship because that might have problems. But if you are happy to be in the moment, stop worrying about anyone else.

paranoidpammywhammy2 · 19/01/2018 02:36

I felt my ex younger partner tried to update my wardrobe and tried to dress me in things I was uncomfortable wearing. He had issues with my higher income. He felt I was too in control.

One of his parents caused an issue. Ultimately the relationship broke down but not due to the age difference.

Even so, I don't regret it.

SD1978 · 19/01/2018 02:41

Would depend for me- I don’t see it as an issue, unless there are things he wants in life, such as kids, which you wouldn’t be able to provide? If it’s juts fun- go for it. If you’re both looking seriously at it, then finances, kids/no kids, etc need to be thought about.

counterpoint · 19/01/2018 04:41

* I feel like when we're out holding hands or something folk look at us and think he's out with his dear old Mum.*
You could limit public shows of affection, no?

HuskyMcClusky · 19/01/2018 04:53

You could limit public shows of affection, no?

Why the hell should they?! Hmm

You’re 15 years older than him, not 25. I doubt you look like his mum.

Mrsfluff · 19/01/2018 05:40

I'm 41 and my partner will be 33 this year. I did worry about the age gap at the start, but only once have I noticed someone looking at us. Tbh though, that could have been cos I'm quite fat and he's quite slim Grin

I wouldn't let it worry you, else it will eat away at you. Are you both happy? That's the important thing!