How young is too young??

**jenluckenbach** · 07-25-2009, 08:23 PM

The number of years doesn't matter as much as the age of the youngest partner.

If one partner is 21 or older then I think the younger person in the pair should be either 18 OR out of high school (I graduated at 17, for example). Because anyone considered a "minor" in a relationship with an "ADULT" could spell trouble.

IMO, once you are out of high school you should be responsible for making your own decisions, and if that includes dating an older person, so be it. I met my future husband when I was just 17 and he is 18 years older than me. My parents were leary, but I was heading toward college and was a responsible person.

So, in this case, 16 is a little young for a 21 year old to be in a SERIOUS relatinship, but that is not written in stone,

If they are willing to proceed slow and prove they are a responsible couple I say try not to be uncomfortable with the age difference. In a few more years, if it lasts, the age difference won't even be noticable.

**Twisterdog** · 07-26-2009, 12:54 AM

I would say 18.

Honestly, if my son was dating a 21 year old girl when he was sixteen, poopy would have hit the fan, in a big way. I would have NOT been pleased about that. I'm sorry, but sixteen is a child, especially for a boy. Nope, I would not have taken that lightly, as a mom.

A five year age difference makes a HUGE difference when the people are 16 and 21. If they were 36 and 41, it would make absolutely no difference at all.

**Genny** · 07-29-2009, 08:14 PM

Originally Posted by Twisterdog

A five year age difference makes a HUGE difference when the people are 16 and 21. If they were 36 and 41, it would make absolutely no difference at all.

What about 18 and 21? Think that's ok? I like this guy he's 18 and we've been hangin out lately. We work together. Right now he's just a friend who I enjoy bein around and he makes me laugh alot. But you think that's a cool age, ok?

**Karen** · 07-29-2009, 09:01 PM

As we have stated, it all depends on the two people involved. There are 18-year-olds who are about 12 in maturity, and those who are 35 at heart! Same for 21-year-olds. It's no one's business but your own, frankly!

**kitten645** · 07-26-2009, 03:23 AM

I've never dated or been "involved" with men younger than me. I've had a hard enough time dealing with the older more "mature" ones

But as they say..whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. You can't dictate other peoples choices. Their choices are thiers.

Claudia

**carole** · 07-26-2009, 10:29 PM

Well it does depend on the two people involved, on the maturity of the young man, some 16 yrs olds are more mature than others, i briefly dated a 17 yr old when i was 20,it was only for a very short time, i soon realised we were too far apart in age,and we did not have that much in common.