A friend and I were discussing age differences the other day. He thinks that it's okay for an 18 year old to have a serious relationship with someone 28-30. For me, there's too much of a difference between an 18 year old and someone that's almost 30. I can't seem to get over the thought that you know, when an 18 year old was probably still playing with dolls/action figures, I was giving birth to my first child. lol Any thoughts?

That is a bit much in the age difference.

My ex who is 38 is dating a 60 year old man.

Different people grow up according to their environment. Can't group all 18 yo's into one category. One may have been playing with dolls, the other might be starting or adding a second child to their family. Too many variables to give you a concrete answer.

That is a generational difference, and I agree. I was involved with a 30 year-old for three years when I was 18. If I could re-do that, I wouldn't. He gave a lot to me, but took more.

I do not think I can go more than plus or minus seven or eight years now, but I'm in my mid thirties and can get away with both. Anything over 40 is getting out there. My ex was 45, and I struggled with that sometimes. I try to look at the big and little pictures with that one. But I respect everyone's thoughts, and try to treat each person as an individual. I am reluctant in that area though, no doubt.

I am 54 and I dated a 26 year old for 2 years and we had a great time. We shared common interests, golf, dogs, Husker football, etc and enjoyed each others company and when she got transferred out of state it waas O K cause we both knew it wasnt permanent.

It just seems to me that an 18 year old, even one that may be mature for their age, has a lot of "growing up" to do and I don't know.. I guess I feel like an older person dating someone that age would be taking that opportunity away from them? I can't find the words to explain myself coherently lol I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks that's a bit much.

But, to be clear, I do feel there's a certain point where 12 years isn't so bad.

10 years older is probably the max I can go. Definitely not 10 years younger, though.

You hit it on the head exactly... great phrasing there.

i think it to be rediculas when someone is young enough to be your child or like 2 yrs older.... for instance 43 and 27 whats up with that?

yeah my personal limit is a couple of years younger than my mom. She had me when she was 17 though, so it might not be that fair

But if they are both mature and enjoy each others company, what Is WRONG with that? I try not to judge someone, if they are happy they are 1 step ahead of most people!!

Well the last guy I met here, has he is 35 on his profile. But found out later that he is turning 44 soon. It wasn't a problem, really. But finding out more about him made me realize that just because someone is older, doesn't mean they grow up or act more mature.

From my own experience and with talking to others, a more mature perspective/outlook on life develops around the age of 25 (give or take). To me, I cannot understand someone over the age of 25 or older wanting to date or be in a relationship with some that is 18, 19, 20 etc. Those ages harbor a different approach to life (most of the time, I don't want to over generalize here). I know that everyone has different maturity levels, but for heaven's sake.

Dang.... that is a big lie!

Yep...and the reason for the lie was disturbing.

I will not exploit, for personal gain, a lady's youth and inexperience.

I agree.

That's one way of putting it