The timeless question of age.

[figwit]

Alright, I've been thinking a lot lately about circumstances for a partner, taller, shorter, older, younger, and I still haven't reached any conclusions, no matter how preoccupied I've been about it. I'm still very unsure about the do's and don't do's about relationships, what looks good, what doesn't.
I've taken a liking to a guy I go to college with. I'm 17 and a couple months, and he's 22, almost 23. I've heard from multiple people that he shares the feeling, (seen it myself, too) but all of it's been unspoken and nothing at all is certain yet.
Now, people have said I am pretty mature girl for my age, and I would agree, because this isn't some silly teenage crush, I really do have feelings for him, but I was wondering...
Is there a certain protocol in society that would frown upon a 17 year-old and a 22 year-old? Does maturity play a big part or a small part, and if it does, can two people of that age really have a successful relationship? I guess I'm asking...

Does age matter?

Comments and thoughts please.
- Liz

[nigella]

You may still be young, but the difference in age is only 5 years. Some even say that a bloke needs to be 5 years older to be at the same maturity as women. As for society protocols, there are non, if he treats you well, then that should be good enough for all those who care about you. You will never know if you dont try. as long as your mature to understand how a lady should be treated and expect nothing less. good luck xxxxxxxxxx

[ummmm]

Not at all...age is just a number

[noxlumos]

"What looks good and what doesn't"?
My only advice is you are thinking too much.
It doesn't matter whether people are tall, short, fat, thin, MA's, left school with no GCSE's, black , white, older, younger, heavier, lighter etc etc etc, you WILL know when it's the right person, and if it is, what I think, or anyone else on this site thinks, or society in general thinks even, won't matter.
So, in brief is you like someone it doesn't matter who or what they are or indeed very much about them at all in terms of statistics, just go for it, so no age doesn't matter a damn and of course people of your age can have a wonderful relationship.

[curlyfilm]

my wife is 10 years older than me...........

[NiceCupOfTea]

Enjoy yourself - it is not a huge age gap at all. If you're worried his similar aged friends may find you too young, don't be. You either will or won't get on with them, but it won't be down to age.

When I was nineteen, I met and dated a 28 year old for 18 months. We had similar outlooks, interests and shared a sense of humour, we were great! (obviously not that great, as we split up but hey�.)

Two of my closes friends met when he was 23 and she was 40. They've been together about 10 years, and are happily married. Never seen such a compatible couple, so to me they are proof that age does not matter.

[MrBen5]

Hmmm, in my case i would need to be 10 years older to be the same maturity as a woman...

[suzi-q]

See what happens. Be cautious as you would in any new relationship and take it from there. I don't think 5 years at your ages is too big a gap. Good luck x