People love bumper-sticker sayings, like, "love conquers all" and "age is just a number" — but the reality is that age is quite indicative of a stage of life. At 18, she's just getting her feet wet, able to make important decisions for herself for the first time in her life. She likely isn't ready to truly settle down, even if she thinks she is. At 30, you're starting to focus on stabilizing your life and planning for your future. You probably aren't looking for the "what do I want to do with my life?" journey that she's on — you've been there before and have moved beyond that.

The older you are, the less significant an age difference like this becomes — but at such an early stage of life, your experiential levels are likely vastly different.

That said, these things occasionally work out well. You and your girlfriend are really the only ones who can decide if you have enough in common, similar values, compatible goals, etc. to make a go of it.

Whatever happens, good luck to you.

Oh resss.. the thread killer again!! But never fear i am following u to make sure u are doing the job!!

well older women love me. i wish they would back off lol

exactly...like some one said...it depends on the commitment and devotion two ppl have, but it's a risk to take. Just follow ur heart, its not like u have anything to lose

If the 2 are in love its just a number. Ive seen ladies who are 18 to the mid 20's who are really mature head on straight then I've seen ladies in the mid 30's on up who are really6 immature like they are 17 yr olds. So it would depend on the maturity level and if there was love there

18+30 = 48

48 divided by 2 is 24.

Neither one of you is 24.

Now you have something in common.

My best gf was a lot younger than me, and I had some good older ones too. If you let numbers interfere with something that might be great, what's next?

"I'm sorry, we can't date because I don't like the color of your shoelaces."

Where does it end?

Age usually is just a number, however at 18/30, that number makes a huge difference. Let her be. She needs to experience the world, and find herself.

You would do better if you chose someone between the ages of 25 and 35. I do believe that 19 would be too young. They need time to grow up and mature a little bit

I totally agree with you!

I don't think it will work, but I'm rather cynical about such things. Good luck though..

The way I look at it: if the age difference is the only thing you are worried about... you are doing better than most people.

So go for it if you love her. There are a many, many married couples with even greater differences in age. It can work.

Other people pointed out the possible pit-falls already. Just be aware of them and take it slow when it comes to life-long commitment. Just like any relationship...


Just my .02 cents.

I'm curious, why do people assume the 18 year old is going to be doing/acting any differently with someone older than her than she would be with someone her exact age?

Isn't it possible that one partner being more mature and experienced with relationships is a plus?



If it's not someone ten years older than her - and she's dating an 18 year old guy instead... how would that be better?

I know as a guy, at 18 I would have been more likely to get her (and myself) into more trouble than I am at 33...

puppy, shame on you!

I lived with a 40 yr old man when i was 18. I loved him and had his stillborn child. That broke us apart. I still feel he is the man I loved the most in my life after my dad.
Conversly, I was 40 and left my husband for an 18 yr old man. I grew sick of him after 6 months and we split after our lease was up. I don't know the answer for you. I know with each decade, we all change. If you can change together, it might work. Do you want to marry her? Can you live without her? Can she breathe without you? Only the two of you can decide. I have no regrets in my life. It's all a love and learn experience. Good luck.

good luck

at 18, she is a butterfly. let her go, fly around the world.
when, she comes back. she will be ready to rest.

30 and 18? well 16 will get u 20.

Age is a big factor. At your age,do you reallllyyy want to go through high school again???

I'm 18 my husband is 62 it worked out perfectly