Older women...younger men?
Olivia_WebMD_Staff posted:
While the number of older woman-younger man pairings appears to be increasing to some degree, society has far from embraced the idea. Moreover, the bulk of our "scorn" still seems directed squarely at the reputation of the older woman.
WebMD has a new feature on the topic – Dating Older women: Does Age Matter?
What are your thoughts? If you're against it, what's your reasoning? How young is "too" young? And, if you're in a relationship where one of you is much older/younger what are the joys and pitfalls?
WebMD has a new feature on the topic – Dating Older women: Does Age Matter?
What are your thoughts? If you're against it, what's your reasoning? How young is "too" young? And, if you're in a relationship where one of you is much older/younger what are the joys and pitfalls?
57 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Older women...younger men?While the number of older woman-younger man pairings appears to be increasing to some degree, society has far from embraced the idea. Moreover, the bulk of our "scorn" still seems directed squarely at the reputation of the older woman. <br><br>WebMD has a new feature on the topic – <a rel=nofollow href=http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/features/dating-older-women-does-age-matter>Dating Older women: Does Age Matter?</a> <br><br>What are your thoughts? If you're against it, what's your reasoning? How young is "too" young? And, if you're in a relationship where one of you is much older/younger what are the joys and pitfalls?
1andonlybaby responded:
I was just coming here to post this same question. 
How funny is that?
I was always against it personally until lately. My brother in law is 10 yrs younger than my sister. I don't think my sister has had any problems with the age thing. Honestly, I forget that she's older than him, because when they're together you really wouldn't know it by looking at them. My ex is 14 years older than me, but I guess that's ok because he's a man.
I've been thinking about it lately and I would go out with someone younger than me but not sure if I'd want a serious relationship with that person. I guess it's like anyone else though, it depends on how the 2 people relate and get along.
How funny is that?
I was always against it personally until lately. My brother in law is 10 yrs younger than my sister. I don't think my sister has had any problems with the age thing. Honestly, I forget that she's older than him, because when they're together you really wouldn't know it by looking at them. My ex is 14 years older than me, but I guess that's ok because he's a man.
I've been thinking about it lately and I would go out with someone younger than me but not sure if I'd want a serious relationship with that person. I guess it's like anyone else though, it depends on how the 2 people relate and get along.Report This| Share this:Older women...younger men?I was just coming here to post this same question. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/eek.gif" align="top" border="0"> How funny is that?
I was always against it personally until lately. My brother in law is 10 yrs younger than my sister. I don't think my sister has had any problems with the age thing. Honestly, I forget that she's older than him, because when they're together you really wouldn't know it by looking at them. My ex is 14 years older than me, but I guess that's ok because he's a man.
I've been thinking about it lately and I would go out with someone younger than me but not sure if I'd want a serious relationship with that person. I guess it's like anyone else though, it depends on how the 2 people relate and get along.
eddiessexgoddess responded:
that your thoughts on it being OK "because he's the man" is purely social conditioning, right?
Report This| Share this:Older women...younger men?that your thoughts on it being OK "because he's the man" is purely social conditioning, right?
1andonlybaby responded:
and email sometimes, because the tone gets lost. When I said I guess it's ok because he's a man, I was being sarcastic. I think it's ok either way, if that's what a person chooses. As long as each person is ok with the relationship, it's good.
Report This| Share this:Older women...younger men?and email sometimes, because the tone gets lost. When I said I guess it's ok because he's a man, I was being sarcastic. I think it's ok either way, if that's what a person chooses. As long as each person is ok with the relationship, it's good.
bambi36 responded:
I'm quite a bit younger than my husband, and we have a wonderful relationship -- I am really very blessed.
One of my friends said to me, just before my husband & I were married, "Better to be an old man's sweetheart than a young man's slave"....!!!!
I had never heard that expression before, but in our case it has certainly proven to be true!
...
I would not know about being the older partner in a relationship if my husband were to be quite a bit younger.... somehow I don't think that would work out as well... the thinking is probably more along the lines of the "old stereotypes"... that men don't desire older women as much.... (and I don't know how true that is, nor how common are any exceptions to that stereotype, but as it doesn't even apply to me, I shan't worry about it! LOL!)
I shall stay blissful & content in my present situation.
- Bambi
One of my friends said to me, just before my husband & I were married, "Better to be an old man's sweetheart than a young man's slave"....!!!!
I had never heard that expression before, but in our case it has certainly proven to be true!
...
I would not know about being the older partner in a relationship if my husband were to be quite a bit younger.... somehow I don't think that would work out as well... the thinking is probably more along the lines of the "old stereotypes"... that men don't desire older women as much.... (and I don't know how true that is, nor how common are any exceptions to that stereotype, but as it doesn't even apply to me, I shan't worry about it! LOL!)
I shall stay blissful & content in my present situation.
- Bambi
Report This| Share this:Older women...younger men?I'm quite a bit younger than my husband, and we have a wonderful relationship -- I am really very blessed. <br><br>One of my friends said to me, just before my husband & I were married, "Better to be an old man's sweetheart than a young man's slave"....!!!! <br><br>I had never heard that expression before, but in our case it has certainly proven to be true! <br><br>... <br><br>I would not know about being the older partner in a relationship if my husband were to be quite a bit younger.... somehow I don't think that would work out as well... the thinking is probably more along the lines of the "old stereotypes"... that men don't desire older women as much.... (and I don't know how true that is, nor how common are any exceptions to that stereotype, but as it doesn't even apply to me, I shan't worry about it! LOL!) <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0"> <br><br>I shall stay blissful & content in my present situation. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0"> <br><br>- Bambi
preggers1971 responded:
I am a 36 year old woman and my BF is 24 years old.We have an adorable 1-year old
together and get along great! We have been together for 2 years and only had 1 arguement
so far. I have always dated older men for the security, but my BF makes me feel secure,too.
As long as you are age of consent, it doesn't matter what anyone thinks..
Report This| Share this:Older women...younger men?I am a 36 year old woman and my BF is 24 years old.We have an adorable 1-year old
together and get along great! We have been together for 2 years and only had 1 arguement
so far. I have always dated older men for the security, but my BF makes me feel secure,too.
As long as you are age of consent, it doesn't matter what anyone thinks..
tessa101_2000 responded:
I am 32 and my BF is 18. We have been together 2 years. We are expecting our first child in December. The first child for each of us. We come from totally different backgrounds. I came from a lower middle class family and have a college degree and a professional management position in the healthcare industry. He is in school getting his GED preparing to go to college for his EMT degree. Although we are very different, my grandparents raised me and still help when I need it, his mother lost custody of him and his siblings when he was nine, we are very happy together. My family hates him, his family loves me. We have endured all types of criticism, from people threatening to call the police to others who are confused but supportive. It works for us but not for everybody.
Report This| Share this:Older women...younger men?I am 32 and my BF is 18. We have been together 2 years. We are expecting our first child in December. The first child for each of us. We come from totally different backgrounds. I came from a lower middle class family and have a college degree and a professional management position in the healthcare industry. He is in school getting his GED preparing to go to college for his EMT degree. Although we are very different, my grandparents raised me and still help when I need it, his mother lost custody of him and his siblings when he was nine, we are very happy together. My family hates him, his family loves me. We have endured all types of criticism, from people threatening to call the police to others who are confused but supportive. It works for us but not for everybody.
DitaV responded:
I dont think there's any justification for a 30 year old to be dating a 16 year old. There are reasons why we have laws against such relationships. I wouldnt be suprised if in the next couple years he decides that he doesnt want to be in the relationship anymore. He never got a chance to enjoy being young, to date, to have fun with friends and be free of the responsibilities of having a serious relationship and now a child. I was 15 years old when i got pregnant with my daughter. Her father was 19 at the time. We managed to make it for almost 7 years, but we grew up and apart pretty quickly, and we were fairly close in age. So while you may have a good idea of who you are and what you want out of life, i doubt he does.
Dita
Dita
Report This| Share this:Older women...younger men?I dont think there's any justification for a 30 year old to be dating a 16 year old. There are reasons why we have laws against such relationships. I wouldnt be suprised if in the next couple years he decides that he doesnt want to be in the relationship anymore. He never got a chance to enjoy being young, to date, to have fun with friends and be free of the responsibilities of having a serious relationship and now a child. I was 15 years old when i got pregnant with my daughter. Her father was 19 at the time. We managed to make it for almost 7 years, but we grew up and apart pretty quickly, and we were fairly close in age. So while you may have a good idea of who you are and what you want out of life, i doubt he does. <br><br>Dita
tessa101_2000 responded:
LIke I stated it is not for everybody. He has been in and out of lock up facilities for 8 years. He is not your typical 18 year old. I have been a licensed social worker for 10 years in geriatrics. When I am 35 and he is 21 no one will think twice. And if things do not last forever I am prepared for that. Most things don't.
Report This| Share this:Older women...younger men?LIke I stated it is not for everybody. He has been in and out of lock up facilities for 8 years. He is not your typical 18 year old. I have been a licensed social worker for 10 years in geriatrics. When I am 35 and he is 21 no one will think twice. And if things do not last forever I am prepared for that. Most things don't.
DitaV responded:
I wouldnt say that no one will twice when you are 35 and he's 21. And he may not seem like a typical 18 year old, but he still has a lot of growing up to do. But to each their own.
Dita
Dita
Report This| Share this:Older women...younger men?I wouldnt say that no one will twice when you are 35 and he's 21. And he may not seem like a typical 18 year old, but he still has a lot of growing up to do. But to each their own. <br><br>Dita
eddiessexgoddess responded:
He's been in and out of "lock up facilities" since he was 10 years old???!
Yup, I'd have to say he's not your typical 18 year old... {{thank god}}
Yup, I'd have to say he's not your typical 18 year old... {{thank god}}
Report This| Share this:Older women...younger men?He's been in and out of "lock up facilities" since he was 10 years old???! <br><br>Yup, I'd have to say he's not your typical 18 year old... {{thank god}}
honeyknabe responded:
I am 29 years old dating a 19 year old and I am going through a divorce. We get along great and you would never know he is 19. I struggle constanly with how he feels about the relationship though, I am more insecure than I used to be. I try to just enjoy the relationship and have a good time but I think there will come a day when I will want more and he won't be ready for it.
Report This| Share this:Older women...younger men?I am 29 years old dating a 19 year old and I am going through a divorce. We get along great and you would never know he is 19. I struggle constanly with how he feels about the relationship though, I am more insecure than I used to be. I try to just enjoy the relationship and have a good time but I think there will come a day when I will want more and he won't be ready for it.
bambi36 responded:
So you probably cannot call call Tessa's experience typical for an "older woman - younger man" scenario.
She began having a relationship with him when he was 16 years old, and she was 30. He sounds like he was a very troubled youth needing much adult guidance and support.... but her guidance and support included an intimate relationship.
Tessa, I can't see the situation very well without feeling some prejudice against it -- prejudice which you're already very familiar with. But I am honest (to a fault) and must confess feeling much trepidation at your personal situation.
However, it just might all work out in the end after all... one never knows, but one always hopes so. That shall be my wish for you.
- Bambi
She began having a relationship with him when he was 16 years old, and she was 30. He sounds like he was a very troubled youth needing much adult guidance and support.... but her guidance and support included an intimate relationship.
Tessa, I can't see the situation very well without feeling some prejudice against it -- prejudice which you're already very familiar with. But I am honest (to a fault) and must confess feeling much trepidation at your personal situation.
However, it just might all work out in the end after all... one never knows, but one always hopes so. That shall be my wish for you.
- Bambi
Report This| Share this:Older women...younger men?So you probably cannot call call Tessa's experience typical for an "older woman - younger man" scenario. <br><br>She began having a relationship with him when he was 16 years old, and she was 30. He sounds like he was a very troubled youth needing much adult guidance and support.... but her guidance and support included an intimate relationship. <br><br>Tessa, I can't see the situation very well without feeling some prejudice against it -- prejudice which you're already very familiar with. But I am honest (to a fault) and must confess feeling much trepidation at your personal situation. <br><br>However, it just might all work out in the end after all... one never knows, but one always hopes so. That shall be my wish for you. <br><br>- Bambi
chocolatecity1980 responded:
I think its fine if an older woman dates a younger man. It really doesn't matter how old we are as long as we repect each other. I personally couldn't date a man that's younger than me. In my experiences guys that are younger aren't ususally mature enough for me. But as long as they are happy then whats the big deal 
Report This| Share this:Older women...younger men?I think its fine if an older woman dates a younger man. It really doesn't matter how old we are as long as we repect each other. I personally couldn't date a man that's younger than me. In my experiences guys that are younger aren't ususally mature enough for me. But as long as they are happy then whats the big deal <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/neutral.gif" align="top" border="0"> <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/neutral.gif" align="top" border="0">
See Related Sex & Relationships Communities
Helpful Tips
Tips on Lubricant Use
Many people have questions about how to use lubricant for more comfortable, pleasurable sex. Here are some tips you might consider: 1. ... More
Was this Helpful?
31
of
43 found this helpful
-
Premature ejaculation- helpful hints
-
Sex Toys
-
Tools to protect yourself from infections during oral sex
Helpful Resources
Related News
Related Drug Reviews
- Drug Name User Reviews
Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information, visit Dr. Becker-Phelps' website
Other Sexual Health Information
- Sex & Relationships Center
- When to See a Sex Therapist
- Couples Coping Support Group Relationship advice for members like you!
-
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us
First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.