I'm 21. My boyfriend of 1 year is 42. Is it weird? i really love him, but can it last?
451810
Age isn't a barrier to love.  I would guess that a lot of the 'eeew' comments are  made by those who are in your age group.  I'm older than your boyfriend, and I can tell you that however old he is physically, he probably doesn't feel that old mentally.  I still feel about 34 but I'm in my fifties! (And I don't look that old, either!)\n\nHowever, you must be practical.  When you are 42 he will be 63.  When you are 63 he will be 84, and he may well be very elderly at that stage while you still have the energy to go dancing.  If the thought of caring for him at that stage doesn't put you off, then keep going, and disregard the funny looks and comments!
699398
well I dont think it matters, my hubby was 23 when we got together { i was 39} we been together for 17 years, married for 13, got 2 great girls , 15, & 16. good luck , why does everyone worry about age gaps?, you only live once !!!! love & enjoy !!
135698
I personally find it ok since I am 22 and my bf is 32, so I pretty much know something about age difference. Loves doesn't understand of ages, that is true, but assume that people will think they have the right to judge your relationship all the time. At first is difficult for parents, friends... to undertand that the person you love is slightly older than you, but trust me, if you love eachother everyone will see how happy you are together and will realise there is nothing wrong in your relationship. If you love eachother that is whats important.
762020
Sounds to me like you are 13 years old... give or take 1 year. Don't tell him you love him, that will only scare him, especially if he doesn't really know you.
190240
Yes...How much younger is up to you and what you feel comfortable with.  Just be honest with yourself about what issues the age difference may create and if your willing to deal with them.  It is different for each person and each relationship.  Explore it and if you find it isn't right then end it and at least you will have learned something.
276443
If he loves you he will wait for you :) 7 years can feel like a day to one who is in love! personally I absolutely would :) no biggie.
815761
I don't think we should allow society to dictate age restrictions in relationships. There is a 21 year age gap between my boyfriend and I (I'm 27). I have never been happier in my life. Just like with any relationship, it needs to have the essentials like trust, understanding, communication, interests, goals, etc. If those elements are in place, then nothing else matters. Love is the greatest feeling in the world, and age shouldn't stop anyone from experiencing it.
764618
The thought of dating a guy that's younger than me for some reason freaks me out. I'm nearly 19 and I've been dating my boyfriend for 2 years and he's 23. Our age gap works out wonderfully. I think as long as you have a lot in common and you're at the same/ver similar point in your lives the relationship can work. \n\nThat being said I personally wouldn't date anyone over 25 at my age. I'd be wondering why they were interested in someone so much younger.. It disgusts me when I see a man in his 40's + with some teenage girl. Ugh makes me think he should be castrated.\n\n-Elise
1168207
My husband and I are few months apart age wise and he is the older, we met at university and I believe it was love at first sight, even if we didn't realize it immediately, We married within two years of graduating and that was 14 years ago, we are still in love, so from my experience, being in love and marrying someone my own age has been a successful venture.\n\nI do disagree with sweety in saying that age gap with the man being at least 3 to 4 years  older creates respect. What creates respect is mutual understanding, love, trust, taking care of the duties of marriage as dictated by God etc, it has nothing to do with the age of the husband.\nIf your man treats you like his queen like my  husband does with me, you can't but want to care for and respect him because that is what he deserves.
165823
If age is the factor to you, it shouldnt matter being a year! I am 6 years older than my hubby and we have been together for almost 10 years. Its what you make of it and how you do things. But, just because hes a first love doesnt mean its meant to be. There has to be more there than that to make it work. You need to look more into the long term stuff if thats what you want!
947626
First and most importantly, you are hot. \n\nSecondly, I wouldn't personally date someone 20 years younger than me but then again that person would be 8.   OK seriously, I wouldn't let a meaningless thing like age get in the way of being with someone who made me happy.  Many people are saying that it might not last.  What relationship can you guarantee WILL last?  \n\nANY relationship can end.\n\nSo take a chance.  If you care for him, be with him.  You can't love unless you are willing to risk hurt.  That's just life.  \n\nSo if I were 41 (assuming I don't commit suicide when I turn 30 from the shock and horror of reaching that advanced age) yes, I would definitely take a chance on someone who was 21 if I cared for them.
900586
Personally I believe when you really love someone, I don't think age is a problem. It is more of whether both of you can communicate with each other and both have you must be able to accept each other.
380139
My husband and I just celebrated our 9th anniversary...He was 19 when we married and I was 20...we have an 8 year old son and are trying for another...(wish us luck:),,,Marriage is not so much about age but compatibility and the willingness to work out the bad times...every marriage has its ups and downs....just marry your best friend and you should be ok....xoxoxoturtlegirl
1117798
Age should not matter in my opinion...Just as long as you truly love each other,you should push everything aside and know that you're meant to be.
1123741
I think that so long as it doesn't bother either of you - go for it. When I was 18 I dated a guy who was 40 - there's nothing wrong with it so long as you have things in common and you don't let the age different impact the relationship.
673353
Nothing is wrong with it as long as it is consentual and a relationship based on respect and affection.  When I was 18 I dated a 44 year old guy, we stayed together for 3 years and we're still great friends.  \n\nHowever I've also known older men that prey on younger women and men because they are less experianced, and use them for sex, like that they can easily control them, or fetishize them to a startling extreme.  That is not cool to me because it lacks the fundamental respect for their partner.\n\nIt doesn't matter if your bf is 18 or 85, you should both be treating each other as equals with respect and no exploitation.  That advice goes to couples who are the same age too.
719675
age should never be a problem in a relationship. if you really love the person, then their age shouldnt matter to you or anyone else. my friend's parents have a 20 year age difference and they're perfectly happy. just be happy and dont care about what other people say