Hi,

I never thought I'd see the day I asked the folks on PM for advice about my love life. Anyway, there's a girl I think I like. She goes to my parish a lot (I say "a lot" because it's not her usual parish), and I realized a long time ago I have a talent for making her laugh. In fact, when I'm around her I turn into something of a flirt!

So what's the problem here? Well, I'm almost 31, and I just found out she's 23. Personally I'd rather not date anyone who's more than 3 years older than me or more than 4-5 years younger than me. Do any of y'all see a problem with the age issue? Thanks in advance for your input.

I don't see a problem with it. If she's a mature churchgoing girl (which it sounds like she is), then go for it!

It all depends on the person; she might be more mature than some your age!

But one thing I've found is that the age differences mean less as you get older. An eight year difference will be more noticeable (not to mention probably illegal!) in high school/college because people are still maturing, but the further after college one would assume (or hope) that all have pretty much matured.

On paper, the age doesn't seem to be a deal-breaker to me.

Personally I think as long as it's legal it's more about the person than about the age. I would marry a guy who was 50 if he was the right guy.

Of the three people I've dated with some degree of seriousness two were more than eight years older (and one was a year younger). It totally depends on the person. It's much easier if you're in the same stage of life, though - one in college, one not can be hard.

I'd get HER opinion.

ASK her.

Yeah, what they said.

Hey man, if the younger ladies dig you, I say go for it! lol

Age difference? What age difference?




(My parents are 12 years apart in age...my dad is closer in age to my grandmother than he is to my mom)

Age really shouldn't be the deciding factor. I would say, if you think you two are a good match, give it a shot. You can already make her laugh... so you're off to a good start.

Yeah, what she said.

Well, you hear it, the Phamily has spoken

I'm with all of the pham. Keep us posted as you feel it is appropriate to do so

Trish, it's the truth! The greatest compliment a man can get, bar from a woman telling him that she loves him and wants to spend the rest of her life with him, is from a younger woman!

I'm almost 31, and I'll be visiting a 23-year-old girl later tonight.

Personally, I think 23's close to the perfect age! (Of course, people tell me I'm immature.) I think women near my own age are too old. And they're mostly too busy chasing after 23-year-old guys anyway.

I'm 23! Wanna go to a movie? Maybe some dinner?

I'll be 22 in a week... any Catholic guys wanting to come celebrate?

I Socrates. Do you think I was being too forward?

Speaking as a woman near your age, there is no way in heck I'd chase after a 23-year-old guy, unless he was really really exceptional. I prefer a man who knows what it means to be a man. I can't think of any of my similarly situated friends who feel differently on that subject either.

Dave, you old devil you! Making young ladies laugh when you should be reading your breviary? For shame!

How about 42?

Well I suppose that would be within the stated range ...

Well, I think I better update y'all on the situation ... this girl also has a close friend who's 27, and I think I might like her too! So now I have to decide who I like better. It's a dilemma, but I guess it's a good dilemma to have. I guess the thing to do is pray about it ... I mean, for all I know, maybe neither girl is the one for me.