Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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

Age gap

44 replies

dingdang · 03/03/2019 23:11

I'm 43 and met a bloke in the pub the other night - we had a lovely chat and swapped numbers. We spoke on the phone and arranged to meet up but during the conversation he mentioned he was 60 and I I'm a bit worried about the age gap. He mentioned his daughters and grandchildren ( one of his grandchildren is older than my child) My ex was ten years younger... and I've never dated an older man before. But we got on well and it was a nice easy conversation. Anyone dated an older man?

OP posts:
Moralitym1n1 · 03/03/2019 23:17

Twice - both were disastrous, bit I suppose that doesn't necessarily mean it will be for you Grin.

siestakey · 03/03/2019 23:19

Yep, current partner. I met him at 18 (20now) & he's 35. Love him to pieces and we get along great. I can see myself marrying him and having children long term.

wishywashy6 · 03/03/2019 23:23

Age gap in other direction but I'm 36 and my partner is 26.

Never notice the difference in age 🤷🏼‍♀️

dingdang · 03/03/2019 23:27

Ok so It's a mixed bag so far.. maybe I just meet up and see what happens then!

OP posts:
dingdang · 03/03/2019 23:30

My ex was 23 when we met and I was 33 so not used to the idea of being the younger one i guess. He didn't look 60 but it was kind lighting in the pub 😂

OP posts:
wishywashy6 · 03/03/2019 23:30

Yeah I would! Judge on the person not the number. If I'd gone on age alone I probably wouldn't have ever met my other half for our first date (we met online) but as it's turned out he's got his head screwed on far more than most guys my own age or older.
Enjoy!

AndNoneForGretchenWieners · 03/03/2019 23:34

My wonderful DH was 22 years older than me, and we didn't notice the age gap at all. We had 20 great years together until his recent death, but he died from cancer, not age related illness.

wishywashy6 · 03/03/2019 23:37

@AndNoneForGretchenWieners so sorry to hear that xx

dingdang · 03/03/2019 23:39

Sorry to hear about your husband Gretchen

OP posts:
RedHatsDoNotSuitMe · 03/03/2019 23:40

14 year age gap for us. Been married 23 years.

TheDogsMother · 03/03/2019 23:41

I was also 43 when I met DP and he was 57 at the time. Been together 12 years now and it's great. We have lots in common and I think that's probably more important than age. Have a date and see how it goes

needthisthread · 03/03/2019 23:42

I'm not against age gaps as such, but consider where you will be at 53, which is relatively young, with a 70yo partner. Then 58 and 75! Yes you may get on, but as you get older the gap widens

Dreamzcancometrue · 03/03/2019 23:44

Im 28 expecting my first child and currently speaking to a 46 year old divorced dad of 2. Even tho at this point its just been chatting online and not meeting up but just thought I'd throw it out there that its ok aslong as your both consenting adults life is to short.

JaceLancs · 03/03/2019 23:48

My DF is 14 years older than DM they’ve been married 59 years
DB is 13 years younger than DSIL they’ve been married over 30 years
My biggest relationship age gap was also 14 years, we split due to it being LDR but have remained good friends

Pinkginxx · 03/03/2019 23:49

My only worry would be (sorry) ending up a carer and a young widow. It’s horrible to think about, but I want to grow old with someone which dependant on the actual gap (you didn’t specify but guessing 20 years or so) may not happen x

Pinkginxx · 03/03/2019 23:51

Sorry, you did say. 17 years... it’s not huge but still a big chance in 15 years you’ll be looking after an old man

MysteriesOfTheOrganism · 04/03/2019 00:02

I think it's important to be aware of the challenges that might arise in time, particularly when the older partner becomes seriously old. But life's a funny thing, and you never know what will happen. The younger partner might die unexpectedly or develop a chronic condition. These things do happen. An age gap in itself is not a dealbreaker. It can have its challenges - but so does any relationship.

NameChangeNugget · 04/03/2019 09:41

Do what makes you happy.

dingdang · 05/03/2019 22:44

Well we met up this evening and met for a drink then dinner then a nightcap afterwards, very easy evening, nice chat, and we agreed to meet up again next week. Oh and he's not 60 but 55. Feels slightly less daunting for some reason but not sure why! Thanks to all for words of advice!

OP posts:
crumbnugget · 05/03/2019 23:07

18 year age gap here. Been married for 19 years this year, never been an issue. People might say about when the older one gets to old age, but then people can get ill and need care at any age. We don't think about it, just enjoy life and intend to continue doing that.

Pasithea · 06/03/2019 09:14

DH twenty years older than me been together 25 years married 23. Enjoy it for what it is whether it lasts or not.

hellsbellsmelons · 06/03/2019 09:23

I'm confused.
He told you on the phone he was 60 but when out and about he's now 55!???
What's that all about?

Rixera · 06/03/2019 09:28

42 year ago gap here Blush the answer to the universe and all that...

We met at a book club, I'm 26, he's 68. I've never met anyone whose company I enjoy this much. I could never run out of things to say to him. We both had reservations at first but it's been two years since I asked him out- a year since he actually accepted!

I accept I will have to be his carer and there is no chance of me enjoying a happy retirement with him, planning the next 20, 30 years with him, simply put I don't know how long we have together but I am determined to enjoy every minute while we have the chance. I would love things like children with him- he would be an amazing father- but it isn't going to happen. Luckily I already have DD from a prior relationship (she hasn't met him)

The age gap matters less than what you have in common. And how prepared you are for a realistic future.

purpleleotard · 06/03/2019 09:35

May be all OK now but in 22 years time, you will be 65 and looking forward to an exciting retirement, travel adventures or gardening or whatever and you partner will be late 70's.
How ever good one's health the natural progression of time will take its toll and dear partner will not be as vital.
You may be looking at a retirement of caring.
Strange to loose a few years so easily, perhaps look at a passport or driving license.
Sorry to be a kill joy.

Esindi · 06/03/2019 09:43

My partner’s 60 and I’m younger than you, we’ve been together for 6 years and we’re expecting our first child together.

Give it a go!

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

This thread is closed and is no longer accepting replies. Click here to start a new thread.

Swipe left for the next trending thread