age differences

[xlaurax]

how old is too old for a 16 year old to date

[PinkFizz]

84

[noxlumos]

Depends on the 16 year old and the other person really. I had a 17 year old girlfriend in my mid thirties and although we split up it wasn't age related in any way and we stayed on really good terms. If the older person is just a letch and the younger one very immature then obviously it's not a good idea, but if you are both level headed and have a lot in common then age shouldn't ever really be an issue.

[PinkFizz]

Sorry,I was joking.There isn't an age that is "too old" but obviously if you were to see a guy in say his forties then I could see that family and friends would be very concerned.Is there a guy in particular that you are talking about?

[nat_84]

i'd say 20...

If i knew a guy my age (21) was going out with a 16 year old... my instinct would be "odd".....

not to say that it wouldnt work though.... just my opinion.

[Octavius]

I agree with nat. Just based on instict and without knowing the maturity levels of the 2 individuals I would say 20 years old or more could be unsuitable for a young impressionable 16 year old. But there is no written rule.

[Miss Inquiry]

I went out with a guy 13 years older than me for 5 years. I met him when I was 16, he was 29, by the time I got to 21 my life ambitions changed, my precepttion of the world was totally different and we finished. Never once when we were together did the age difference bother me/him or either of our families.

As everyone has pointed out as long as you have the maturity levels and are quite grounded, it really shouldn't matter how big the age gap is.

[cascarelli]

What's the matter with the 84 year old guy dating her??? Go grandad go

Really though, probably about 20

[clarebear86]

I guess it depends on the individuals but I would say no more than a couple of years older than you. Although it could work with someone older.

When my cousin was 16 she dated a guy of 27 and I found it really hard to understand what he would want with a girl who was still in school doing her gcse's. I found it all a bit odd to be honest. Didn't last long once my uncle found out.

[TallTrees]

I'm 30 my GF is 21, We've been together 3 yrs, she was 18 I was 27,. She was and still is more mature than me....

[Paul22118]

Ye olde sayeing

Keepe the gappe in single figures!

[45703]

As long as they are happy what else matters? There�s enough misery in the world as it is.

[Carakeel]

I agree that is all depends on the individuals and that the main thing is that both are happy and respect each other's individuality and neither is controlling!!! Very important that! Talltrees' comment says it all really.

So, is there a difference if the woman / girl is older than the man / boy. How do you all feel about that?

[em93]

it depends how mature the 16 year old is. i think that the oldest i would say is ummm....about 25. my ex is 17, i am 13, and i was alot more mature than him, so aslong as nothing is really put on anyones shoulders about the relationship then i would say its fine....how old is the partener?

[Carakeel]

em93 - you are 13? Your boyfriend is 17? How do your parents feel about this? Do they know? I am sure you are both really nice kids, but I hope you both realise that if you have an intimate relationship with this young man that he can be sent to jail! You are under 16, please be careful! You are too young to be in a serious relationship with a 17 year old and he in all honesty should know better too.

[xlaurax]

the person is 20 and i wondered if the social side of it would be difficult i.e not being able to go out to the same places pubs, clubs.?

[Donna69]

I wouldnt worry about the social side of it. Most 16 year old girls look 20 with the make up some of them wear. I think 20 is okay cos guys are generally much more immature.