What's it like dating a younger man?

11/17/24 7:19am

I am a 32F who has been hitting it off with a younger guy (24) at my gym and he finally asked me out and I'm thinking of saying yes, but I'm not sure. I like him, but I've never dated anyone so much younger than me, so I'd love to hear about other people's experiences dating younger men. What were your age ranges and how did it go? Did it turn into a long-term thing? Ideally, this wouldn't be just a fling for me, so I'm curious about the pros and cons of an age gap romance. Is this age gap too big? (He's not a baby, but he's still pretty young.) Would you recommend I say yes or just keep things friendly?

John Keegan
Dating Coach

11/18/24 9:12am

A relationship with a younger man can work, 100%. Obviously, you're attracted to each other, and a lot of times polarity can create even more chemistry. But it's really just like any relationship, where you need to make sure there's an open line of communication and that everyone's needs are being met (especially if there is like, any kind of power imbalance in the relationship).

I've actually interviewed many women and asked, "Why do women like older men," and they'll often say, "because they're more mature," and I think it's the same way around for an older woman and younger men: the older woman really knows what she wants, she knows what she likes in the bedroom, she's more emotionally stable and not going out to nightclubs every night. She has more of a soulful connection to offer.

Beyond that, in an age gap relationship, the partners just have to find the common ground where they're just human beings, beyond age. They have to connect on the level of likes and dislikes, values, interests, passion, mutual attraction.

Anonymous WikiOcelot

12/06/24 7:19am

Yes I agree, if the attraction is there, that is the start of any relationship, then once you find some common ground between you, the age gap really isn't an issue. It really comes down to how you relate to each other and having some common interests.

WikiButterflyJumper845

11/19/24 11:41am

I'm 37F and I have been dating a guy who's 26 for a year and a half. I think our relationship is wonderful! He brings a lot of energy and spontaneity to my life and he loves the perspective and maturity that I bring to his. Even though there's an age gap, we have a lot of common interests and relate to each other well. If you like him, I think you should give it a shot!

Anonymous WikiRiver

12/13/24 7:51am

OMG this is so much me

WikiLemmingDiver963

11/19/24 7:36pm

I think that's a totally reasonable age gap on paper. What's most important is how does the age gap actually feel to you when you interact with him. If he's mature for his age, you may not even notice the age gap that much. If he's the right person for you, you'll feel it!

WikiFlamingoGlider952

11/19/24 10:09pm

I'm in my late 30s and am married to a man in his mid 20s. He makes me happy and I seem to make him happy too. Yes, other people judged us when we first started dating but I didn't let that get in the way of our love

Anonymous WikiOcelot

12/06/24 7:12am

I would say yes, and especially as you both seem to get along pretty well. And see how it goes. If you back out, you might regret it and then you'll always wonder - "what if?" Nothing ventured, not gained. You have nothing to lose.