17 years younger than me

[GrouseForever]

NC as embarrassing. We've known each other for years, he would like a relationship. He is very kind to me. We're not in love, we just like and trust each other, no-one would get hurt. I would be happy for him if he met someone closer in age so no jealousy issues. No children involved and he's infertile.

More than the age gap, the thing which is putting me off is that I am talkative on messaging. He isn't. I love chatting away to my friends on WhatsApp.

This may be too big an issue to get past...? I'm sort of thinking out loud here.

No I don't get this. Why is he sending sex messages if he doesn't want a sexual relationship with you.

Well he does want a sexual relationship - the trouble is that it wouldn't suit me.

I'd find it quite vacant. I have decided that a fling wouldn't suit me. We're still friends but I almost feel quite motherly towards him although he is an adult and I am too. I'd feel quite happy if he met someone more suited. He was talking about about he met someone he liked a month ago and I asked why he didn't get her number. They spoke for 4 hours. He does need to lay off about how attractive he finds me however.

I'm a substitute at the time being! He needs to find someone to fall in love with

I wouldn't worry about the age difference if you are confident that neither of you intend to sail to wonderland together and accept it is "for now"

But OP, you have clearly stated a sexual relationship with him would not suit you. You have answered your own question.