Age Difference

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2004
Age Difference
2
Mon, 03-22-2004 - 8:33pm
I am a 17 year old girl, I'll be 18 in a few months who acts and looks older than she really is. The problem is, a co-worker of mine and I have just recently starting hitting on each other and he's 24. I'm trying to debate whether or not I want to get involved with that b/c of the whole age difference thing.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-07-2003
In reply to: yearbook50
Mon, 03-22-2004 - 9:32pm
Well, I hate to say it, but do as I say and not as I did. ;)

When I was a college freshman and 17/18, I very briefly dated a 24 year old (or was he 25? it's been so long I can't remember). It didn't last long, and that was a very good thing! He was so much further along in terms of dating/relationship experience and we were completely mismatched.

I think there is a HUGE difference between 17 and 24. Even if you are mature for your age. You are still a minor, he is an adult and has probably (hopefully) been out on his own for awhile. He is probably more experienced than you are and physically will want to rush things and want you to do things you aren't ready to do.

I think you are wise to ask about this, btw. When I was your age I didn't ask anyone, I just started dating him. It would have been smart of me to talk to others and get their input but, alas, I did not.


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2004
In reply to: yearbook50
Sun, 03-28-2004 - 1:03pm
I'm sorry if I'm a bit late with my reaction, but I didn't read you message before, but I feel I really have to respond. I'm an 18 year old girl and my last (and only) boyfriend was 24 as well. Now, our relationship didn't work out, but that had nothing to do with age difference. Like you, I act older than I am, and even thought he had more experience than I had, we were always equals. I hope this helps, I'm not telling you what to do, I'm just telling you my experience with the problem you're facing.