I am 24 and have been dating a 39-year-old man. He has an 8-year-old son and has never been married. We appear to be very compatible and have many common interests. I enjoy the time I spent with him and his son. However, my closest friends do not support our relationship. We've been seeing each other for 6 months now and I have not told my parents. Part of the reason I have not told them is because I can already predict what they will say and think. He is a great guy, really easy-going, considerate, intuitive, and kind. We became good friends at first, and then it lead to dating. Now I need to figure out where this is going. Do you have any advice?
Wondering
about the Future
Dear Wondering,
Thanks for writing to me. Unfortunately,
I can identify two huge red flags in your situation. First, your closest
friends don't support your relationship.
Secondly, you have kept this relationship secret from your parents due
to your concern that they will react negatively. If he really is as
wonderful as you describe, then why would your friends disapprove, and why are you
afraid of your parents' reaction? If the only concern is the age difference,
then your parents should be glad that you have found someone who is a great guy,
considerate, easy-going, intuitive, and kind, even if he is 15 years older than
you are. So, where do you see this going? If you are too afraid to
let your parents know about him, then I don't see this relationship going
anywhere that would be good or healthy.
God bless,
Aunt Dara
God bless,
Aunt Dara
