I’m 28, female, and wouldn’t be caught dead dating an 18 year old.
(Incidentally, does anyone else think these read a little like singles ads? “I’m an SWF, 28, and like hiking and books…” Hee.)
When I was in college and 21, one of my physics lab partners was a returning student studying engineering. He was funny, and cute, but when I found out he was 26-27ish (and had a girlfriend, too), any romantic interest ended there. I still valued him as a friend, but any thought of dating went out the window. At that point in life, it was too big a difference to me. At a later point in life, it probably wouldn’t matter so much.
Sometimes, you’re just at two totally different places, you know?
I don’t judge by age, but by maturity. Although more than 10 years probably would be hard. I wasn’t very mature at 18, but this board is evidence that many others are.
I do caution though, that at age 18 and age 28 one’s goals and desires are often very different. It can be done, with a lot of understanding on both parts.
I used to have a firm rule never to date any guy younger than me. *That * went out the window when I got with my current SO, who is younger than me, albeit only by a few months. So I decided not more than a year below. And then I met a whole bunch of guys that I’d be interested in, were it not for my current relationship, that were a few years younger.
So I’d have to go with Harimad-sol (I knew there was a reason we got along). It depends.
Alright Epi, how’s this for weird: I’m in a similar boat (27, tho). I’ve randomly picked 21 as the lower bound (mostly because I don’t want to worry about sneaking someone booze or drinking when they wouldn’t). BUT… I was a high school teacher for the past four years. Dating someone 21 y/o would be dating someone I could have taught. That’s not to say I wouldn’t, necessarily, it’s just another thing to make ya go hmmm :dubious:
Age is a number, as long as both parties are of age, I see no problem.
[quote=r4nd0mNumb3rs
Personally, when I see an older man dating someone my own age (I’m 20) I tend assume that that person can’t attract people their own age.[/quote]
Okay, the smart ass answer for this is… “Why would I date a 40-something woman when I can get one that’s a hot 21?” The truthful answer is, why would I eliminate someone from my love life just because she’s young?
Truthful? It’s typically a matter of lust not love, and almost any man over 40 (discounting homosexuals of course) is attracted sexually more by a 21 year old than by a woman his own age. Then there are other considerations, such as the desire to display his prowess. Still a million miles away from “love”.