I think maybe I should be clearer on the dolls thing - My son was born in 1999, that would've made someone who is 18 today about 10 years old. That's what I was getting at.

My ex-husband's most recent ex is 18 though and all about having a baby right now. He actually went to the state she lives in (this has been an internet relationship) and tried getting her pregnant. But that's another post for another day

it's all in perspective. When I was younger-18-25 I wanted someone who was anywhere from 10-20 yrs older. Now that I am older, I still want a guy that's at least a couple years older then me, if not more.

I think that age shouldn't matter, as long the persons involved care for each other, but then there are so many other aspects to consider, everyone is different and they handle situations in a different matter.

you have made a extremely good point.... I dated a guy when I was 19 yrs. old and he was 29, he wouldn't let me have fun and be me, he was too controling and he would always say things that would make me feel like a little girl. That's not to say that everyone will have the same experience, it depends on the situation and the person's involved, like it was said, it depends on the maturity level of the people involved.

I'm 32 and my significant other is 50. We've been together 15 years and we have two beautiful girls.

I have been in a few relationships with older men. I'm 23 and I have dated as old as 37, but I am currently in a relationship with my 30 year old bf. When I was 18 I dated my 25 year old boss; it didn't work out, but in 5 years I have changed...and matured...I don't know I guess it all depends on the person.

no more then 10 years

well being that I was giving birth to MY first child at 17 ya .. that's a bit stereotyping dontcha think?

And altho a late teenager is not quite an adult, when you are 25, 10 years is really not that big of deal. I date guys way way younger than me, like between 15-25 years younger and it works great.

Once you hit adulthood age is just not that big of deal. Especially 5-10 years. It's almost like the same age.

Most relationships depend on the people involved, not the ages.

Just an opinion...

I never have understood the deal with older men and a younger woman. I personally would rather have a mate that is closer to my age. I think having more things in common will be more likely.

Maybe its just me but at 23 I wouldn't go younger than 21 on just the fact that I don't want to have him asking me to buy him beer. On the up side 30-35 is the highest I'd go because at that point they are closer to my dad's age than mine.

You are a clear exception to the rules most of us go by. What bothers us, makes no matter to you. I say kudos! And so glad you are all the way over on the west coast or we'd be in competition for the same dudes...

Love you, Fade.

I am 19, I was in a relationship with a guy who is about to turn 29 for almost a year. Not to sound stuck up but I am more mature and more successful than he is even though he is 10 years older. I am more financially stable and often had to help him with important decisions because he has is so irresponsible... Anyways, I feel like the bottom line is that age is only a number.

i met a guy at a night class i did and we ended up hanging out a few times and then he asked me out, that's good right??
i never thought to ask how old he was because i figured he was late twenties/early thirties, turned out he was 23!!

i felt like a dirty old woman
and i didn't pursue it any farther but that's just me

to each his own

I recently had a very beautiful 21 year old woman come on to me (I'm 34). I was very flattered, but didn't want to get involved with her simply because of where we're at in our lives and such. I knew that maybe we'd share a few smiles, but later just drift apart because of our levels of maturity.

Sometimes the spring/autumn relationships work, but only when both sides share a common maturity that makes them work.

Yeah well I took this nice lady out for a lunch date, its all good, she thinks I am late 30's early 40's, she is 34.
We talk, finds out I am 49, kinda dead now.

Is that your way of saying your deadbeat picker is functioning properly? Deadbeats come in many ages on both sides.

I get hit on all the time from 18 to 70 year olds! In person and on the net. It's just rediculous! I prefer closer to my age, 10 below or 5 above max. Just better odds of finding something in common to talk about. When I was 23 I dated for a little over a year, a man that was 40. It was fun and exciting for the most part. Yet, there were times I just wanted to run or scream. He wanted to lay out in the Sun all day at the beach and I wanted to go do things - even if it was just going through a museum exhibit. Thirteen years later we met again and dated very briefly. He was even more boring then. I have never been a couch potato and he was ready to settle in front of the TV after dinner or go to sleep at 8pm. Sleep, not BED! I'm not ready for a dead life yet! I know age is not the problem so much as it is attitude. If you can be in sync for most of your life with someone that is vastly out of your age group, then you are very lucky. I've seen it happen, just not for me.

My ex was 5 years younger than me. I wouldn't want to go any younger than that. Funny thing - he looks 5 years older or more than me now.

I dated a lovely woman that was 20 years older than me, we both had a pretty good relationship for about a year. I don't see a problem with it, as long as both of them are happy why not?