Is it normal for an 18 year old and a 26 year old to date?

65% Normal

I met this guy a couple of weeks ago and we really really hit it off, we've been texting and talking ever since and he's looking to take the next steep which would be to start dating. I tried not to string him along even though I really really like him because I don't know how I feel about this age gap between us. He's turning 26 in a month and I just turned 18 a few months ago.. I know my parents would never be okay with this but I try and think "It's my life, I should live it for me." but I'm still not sure what I should do.

Is it normal to date someone that much older than you when you're still in your teens?

Should I stop talking to him and move on or should I keep going and see where it leads?

Voting Results

65% Normal

Based on 82 votes (53 yes)

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Comments ( 32 )

anti-hero

11 years ago

I bet he fucks you a couple of times and then stops texting you.

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- Anonymous Post Author
  
  11 years ago
  
  Doubt it, we're both very religious (actually met him at a church thing) and he believes in abstinence until marriage. (I heard him say it to someone else, so he didn't just say it to make me believe it)
  
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  - anti-hero
    
    11 years ago
    
    Then I take my statement back.
    
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[Old Memory]

11 years ago

Hmmmm. You are still at that age where you still have a lot of growing up and changing to do yet, but you're almost an adult. Believe it or not there really is a massive difference between an eighteen year old girl and a twenty year old.

I think the normalcy of a teen dating a mature older man depends entirely on which country you live in. It would be frowned upon if you were from the USA or Canada, but not if you were from France or England.

If your parents don't think it's a good idea, then it probably isn't. You might not agree with them, but they know more about the world than you do. And if you still live with them, it's their rules until you move out.

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Anonymous Post Author

11 years ago

Okay, but I'm not 10 anymore.

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- trublutxm75
  
  11 years ago
  
  no you're not. But 18 yr old mind isn't much diff than a 16yr old mind
  
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shuggy-chan

11 years ago

it awesome i mean when he was your age you were 10... -_-

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- anti-hero
  
  11 years ago
  
  She was 8 not 10. Dammit, you suck at being Asian.
  
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  - shuggy-chan
    
    11 years ago
    
    26 - 18= 8 oky, 18 - 8 = 10, right?
    
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    - anti-hero
      
      11 years ago
      
      Damn I fucked up haha you are totally right. That is why I shouldn't drink while online.
      
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      - shuggy-chan
        
        11 years ago
        
        DUDE DONT QUESTION MY ASIAN EVER AGAIN!!!!
        
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        anti-hero
        
        11 years ago
        
        haha I beg your forgiveness kind sir.
        
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lillypoppy

11 years ago

actually i dont' even know what i meant by my own comment sorry

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lillypoppy

11 years ago

umm what? :\

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lillypoppy

11 years ago

Its normal but maybe you really shouldn't since you're already questioning it ...like.. you're gonna have to go out with this guy, hold his hand or onto his arm,and kiss him ....ew

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- Anonymous Post Author
  
  11 years ago
  
  If I thought it would be repugnant I wouldn't even be considering it, don't you think?
  
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KeddersPrincess

11 years ago

It's fine. If you are both consenting adults then it's fine.

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NeuroNeptunian

11 years ago

When I was 19, my boyfriend was 26, and he was also religious and didn't believe in sex before marriage.

We're married now. That age difference really isn't a big deal to us. 26 really isn't that old =/ I know some people FEEL that old at 26 (lol), believe it or not, they don't ALL die at 30 XD

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Sog

11 years ago

As a 26 year old guy myself, dating someone that young would be unimaginable. I don't have anything in common with someone that young.

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FocoUS

11 years ago

Okay lets say he's not some jerk stringing you along let's say he's an actually a really nice guy that fell for an 18 year old. It still probably wouldn't work. I know a few couples with good people that had a relationship like yours and they still split because one wanted to enjoy their youth and the other would talk about settling down.

It's not the age gap I'm worried about, 18 is still a young age. You're still discovering yourself while he's already done that. It'd be more okay if you were 20 and he was 28. You're not as mature as you think you are when you're 18. Once again 18 year olds and 26 year olds want different things out of a relationship.

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- Anonymous Post Author
  
  11 years ago
  
  That's just the thing that worries me. And I tried talking to him about it but he has an "We don't even know what this is yet.. We don't have to worry about that now." attitude. Which would be fine if we were the same age, but we're not. And if this becomes something serious then that will probably turn out to be a huge issue.
  
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  - FocoUS
    
    11 years ago
    
    Well at this point since you're already in a relationship you just need to look for red flags, don't dismiss your concerns.
    
    Does he mention settling down? Does he mention children? Does he show no interest in your stories? (unrelateable) Does he ever give a harsh "grow up!"? Does he ever act elitist to you? Just keep an eye out for signs that things are going downhill because of the age gap and then you'll know if you should stay or leave him.
    
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    - Anonymous Post Author
      
      11 years ago
      
      Not in a relationship yet!
      
      But he doesn't even mention the age thing, he only mentions it to see if I have a problem with HIS age, but he seems to have no problem with mine.
      
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      - FocoUS
        
        11 years ago
        
        Hmmm, does he have any friends in your age group? A sign that he hangs out with 18 year olds?
        
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prasatko

11 years ago

Totally normal. My best, longest and the most satisfying relationship started when she was 20 and I was 30 years old. We are still together and it works perfectly. Do not get discouraged by the age difference which is even smaller in your case. Good luck with your relationship!

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dinz

11 years ago

Well I personally don't like the age difference. But you are deem an adult. As long as both parties are consensual to the idea of entering a relationship do it.

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Rambo1337

11 years ago

Gross, don't do it, I'm 22 and I know how easy it is to swindle younger girls into having your way with them. Believe me nothing good comes out of it, and if it doesn't work out guys in the future will be too disgusted to date you. Gross Gross Gross

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DollyBoots

11 years ago

We're on the same boat(': siiisters!! Hehe jk my bf is 28 n I turned 18 in may, my parents are COMPLETELY against it but I say if I we love eachother no one else matters. My family will eventual learn to like him cuz I'm eventually gna marry him(: if it feels right, he treats you right, your both happy n your family is not an issue go for it((:

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yellowtapebottle

11 years ago

I'm not gonna feed you the "maturity" riot, considering I have no idea how mature you really are. Some people your age can be very grown up, and others can't. So I'm not going to judge you there. All I'll leave you with, as someone who's been around 28 years, is if you really are fond of each other and are mature enough to handle a relationship, then I wish you both smooth sailing. Age really is but a number, but it will all come down to how you handle your life.

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[Old Memory]

11 years ago

26 and 18 are you kidding me?

Ofcourse it's normal, it's not a big age gap.

I knew a 17 year old who LIVED with her 28 year old boyfriend, and no one gave a shit or thought anything of it.

It's much more common and almost expected in society for the man to be older.

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Is it normal for an 18 year old and a 26 year old to date?