I'm a recently divorced 39-year-old woman. While I'm relatively new to the dating scene, I've been trying out all sorts of things that my married self wouldn't have thought possible -- like actually going out and having fun with my girlfriends at bars, dance clubs, etc. And of course, while doing this I've met a few suitors on dating site~~ cougar matching. com~~. There's one man in particular that is wonderful: he's caring, kind, has a real job that earns him good money and he is very attractive. There's only one problem: he is only 26! At first, I thought he was in his thirties and I don't really look my age, but I've noticed that once people find out our age difference, they call me a Cougar and make other annoying comments. He says they are just being funny and that he loves spending time with me and I shouldn't care what others think or say about us if we make each other happy. He's also the first one to tell people about the age difference as
if he's proud, and prior to being in this position I would've agreed, but
now I'm just not sure. I don't like the strange looks or the double
standard that comes with dating a younger man, and I don't know if I should
break it off or not. Part of me feels like I should just enjoy our time
together, and the other says I should let him go to find someone his own
age. Please help!

Sorry but is this really the right place for this thread?

I say forget the age difference and do what makes you happy, I'm only 20 and the only girl I've had a serious relationship with was 24 at the time. It isn't as big as your age gap but it ran its toll on our relationship especially in the beginning and majorly due to the fact that she was a regular drinker and I wasnt even of age to go to bars.
Good luck.

Hi Joy,

The age difference is nothing.

Please do not waste time listening to others who like to laugh at you or put you down.

If you are happy with your guy the only issue is your own mentality.

Life is too short and happiness is rare so enjoy it.

James

thank you very much

Just wanted to second what others have said here. I've been involved with women much younger and much older (25+ years in one case). Go with the flow, and don't let generalizations get in the way of the concrete, particular relationships you can have with real people who may not give a damn about stereotypical expectations.